In all cases the finished stock was simply dipped in a tank of linseed or Tung oil for a few minutes and then allowed to drain dry.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOKxBxLg1H0

Garand stocks that come from the CMP, whether as parts or on a rifle, are often coated with that sticky goo called cosmoline. Even those that are not are likely to be oil soaked or stained in one area or another.

Here's what I do. To strip the old finish and remove oil & dirt, I use Easy-Off Oven Cleaner (the Heavy Duty variety). Spray it on, let it soak for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse off with very warm water while scrubbing with a Scotch-Brite pad. Usually one go with the Easy-Off is sufficient, but I have had to repeat the treatment up to twice more.

When the stock has dried I follow up with a coat or two of Minwax Natural Stain (unless I'm getting creative) and finish with two or three coats of Minwax Tung Oil finish. Minwax Natural is clear; it simply seals the grain.

Except in extreme cases the strongest abrasive I will use is 00 steel wool. Usually a mild going-over with 00 before and after the first coat of Natural stain, then 0000 thereafter. I use my thumb to cover the cartouche and Proof stamp, in turn, to assure I don't further degrade it.

I repeat the process with the Tung Oil; after buffing damp (10-15 minutes after application) with a balled-up nylon stocking or pantyhose (really!), allow drying for 24 hours then buff with 0000 steel wool. After the second coat, buff with 0000. After the last coat, buff with the stocking.

The result looks military but is more durable. I've done more than a dozen M1 and M14 stocks this way, with total satisfaction. If you're able to attend the OGCA shows (e-mail me if you wish to be sponsored as a guest), stop by the GCA booth. I generally have my CMP rifle and my wife's CMP rifle there, refinished with this method.

M1 Garand Books

	The M1 Garand, 1936-1957 Sale Price: $22.95
	Description New, 5th Edition, revised and expanded with new serial number information, parts descriptions, and photos. The M1 Garand was the battle rifle issued to American forces during World War II and the Korean War...

	Complete Guide to the M1 Garand and the M1 Carbine Sale Price: $39.95
	Description The world's most popular and respected author on World War II firearms presents his most complete examination of the M1 Garand and the M1 Carbine ever. It's absolutely huge - nearly 300 pages packed solid with the kind of useful, hands-on knowledge that readers have been demanding...

	The Classic M1 Garand: An Ongoing Legacy For Shooters And Collectors List Price: $20.00 Sale Price: $15.00 You save: $5.00 (25%)
	Description The only full-power, semiautomatic standard infantry rifle in existence during World War II, the M1 Garand remains the most popular high-powered target semiautomatic in the world - and arguably the most rugged and durable...

	U.S. Army M-1 Garand Technical Manual Sale Price: $16.95
	Description This manual includes a detailed description of the rifle and its general characteristics; procedures for detailed disassembly and assembly; an explanation of functioning; a discussion of the types of stoppages and the immediate action applied to reduce them; a description of the ammunition; and instructions on the care, cleaning, and handling of each weapon and ammunition.

	Complete M1 Garand List Price: $25.00 Sale Price: $18.25 You save: $6.75 (27%)
	Description A heavily illustrated, practical history for shooters and collectors alike, this book tells the complete story of the robust M1 Garand. High-quality, detailed photos; functional and troubleshooting data, including original military manuals; market information and much more make this a valuable resource on a classic battle rifle.

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