Refinish or not Winchester model 50

[jeeptim]

I have a very nice but used and will be used Winchester model 50 its in nice shape but the varnish is wearing off on the fore end and a tad on the stock also 1 good ding on the stock. I do a good bit of wood work (I"m a carpenter) and each time I look at it I could make that look better then new, Do I want to do that to such a classic old working shotty?
The checkering is sharp and dark looks very good.
Whats your thoughts? strip sand tape off the checkering

 

[Lucifer_Sam]

It sounds like you want to, so I would if I wanted to. I'm not in the "its part of its history" crowd, unless it makes it much less valuable.

One the ones I've done I use stripper, steam/fill dents/scratches, light careful sanding, then whiskering and you tape the checkering the whole time. At least thats what I've read your supposed to do with checkering, I haven't done a checkered one yet.

 

[rcmodel]

It is very hard to duplicate that old Winchester red tint finish, and they will never look right if you don't.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=9816/Product/CLASSIC-SPIRIT-STAINS

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/381915/galazan-wood-stock-stain-winchester-pre-64-3-oz-liquid

rc

 

[jeeptim]

RC thank you I really want it to look as new the wood is Beautiful.

 

[Jim K]

Maybe my memory is faulty, but the only stock finish I recall on the Model 50 was a sort of generic cutting board wood color and spray varnish with no red tinge at all. I say anything a competent wood worker could do would probably be an improvement.

But, for those old Winchesters that do have reddish stocks, I have used a stain called Tapadera's No. 35, from www.tapaderaswinchesters.com. Be careful, a little goes a long way and you can combine it with Minwax Gunstock stain for a very nice and original looking job.

Jim

 

[jeepmor]

Do the research and don't sand the finish off, but strip it. There is some excellent refinishing threads on this forum. You should only be sanding it to knock off the raised grain from stripping and in between finish coats. Usually 400 grit or greater.

Unless it will tank the value, go for it and have fun. I like hand rubbed satin polyurethane finish myself. I like enjoying the wood itself, not the gloss.