What caused this damage?
- Thread starter Maia007
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ColtPythonElite
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- Jan 8, 2011
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The dark places look like oil damage
rbernie
Contributing Member
Water will make the grain swell, and the grain will retain that shape to some degree even after drying. Since this stock doesn't show swelling, I concur that water isn't likely. It's probably a combination of mechanical damage to the surface finish (buttstocks get kicked a lot while held vertically by the muzzle, and knocked together at the ends a lot when benig put into / removed from storage) coupled with the oil damage.
theotherwaldo
Member
Stocks that are stored with damp and dirty butts often develop this. It doesn't have to be much moisture, just what seeps between the butt and the buttplate. The wood will wick up water, oils, salts, and whatever else is on the buttstock, discoloring the wood and popping off any surface finish like lacquer or shellac.
Hard to reverse, once the wood is discolored.
Hard to reverse, once the wood is discolored.
Vern Humphrey
Member
You got it. The recoil pad held a little moisture inside, and it ruined the finish.
Scooter22
Member
Yup and many of the old pads deteriorated and got sticky messing with the finish. Saw it many times over the years at gun shops I've frequented for 30+ years. Rule of thumb. Don't leave a slip on pad long term.
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