Israeli 98 Mauser Stock Re Finishing

[Machinist]

What is the best way to strip the finish off of this stock and clean it? I have pretty much nailed it down to either a tung oil or permalyn finish. Does anyone have some recommendations? I am not looking at giving it a perfect high gloss finish as it still has the original bluing which is pretty faded. There are a few cracks in the laminate I am filling with bedding compound so I figured while I am at it re do the stock and get it ready to go hunting for the first time.

 

[shortgrass]

You've got more problems than just stock finish. With a crack behind the tang on a Mauser it tells me the rear guard screw is probably touching wood and is acting like a wedge. It also tells me to be able to do that the recoil lug on the bottom of the action isn't seated as it should be. Just filling the cracks won't cure you're problems.

 

[Machinist]

What is involved with fixing that? It is the most accurate rifle I own and the one I shoot the most. So getting it in prime mechanical condition trumps everything else. What should I do take to a gun smith or fix it myself? I am a very experienced machinist.
Someone has tried gluing it before but none of them are sealed together.

 

[Sully2]

Use OOO grade steel wool and mineral spirits to "rub/scrub/disolve?" the finish...later on switch to oooo grade steel wool.

You can use "Tru-Oil" on the bare wood...first 2 coats put on HEAVY...and it fills the pores of the wood. Then to to thin coats...rubbed in good... and after 2 more a rub down "gently" with that OOOO grade steel wool. Wipe off and go back to fine coats of finish...2 more...steel wool it again...etc...etc.

If you wish it to be as such...the last 2 put on VERY gently and clean and let dry. The stock will be glass like its plastic covered. If you dont want gloss..rub it every so slightly with the OOOO grade steel wool.

I have got 10 coats total on a custom stock...looks mighty shiny

 

[TerryMiller]

What is involved with fixing that? It is the most accurate rifle I own and the one I shoot the most. So getting it in prime mechanical condition trumps everything else. What should I do take to a gun smith or fix it myself? I am a very experienced machinist.
Someone has tried gluing it before but none of them are sealed together.

turkbed1

turkbed2

turkbed2a

Bedding the Front of the Action

 

[shortgrass]

The links TerryMiller provided can be useful. But, I believe I'd find a gunsmith who is familiar with Mausers and their bedding and the unique problems one can encounter when working with them. Lots of "wanna be", home grown fixers about, but, you already have some of that in the cracks that were previously repaired incorrectly.

 

[Machinist]

I will have a gun smith look at it. It looks like bottom of trigger guard is the only place its to tight. Other than everything looks straight it doesn't kink when tightening the screws. I really don't want to bed the action in then it disqualifies me from certain competitions with it.

 

[mrbigtexan]

you can find take off military stocks pretty cheap on the net. they even make new military style stocks for the '98 mauser. if you dont military, then boyds makes some nice laminates that are really reasonably priced.

 

[shortgrass]

If bedding is out, do what mrbigtexan suggests,,,,, beause that appears to be where your problem (with the cracks) lies.

 

[Machinist]

I dropped it off at a gun smith specializing in old bolt actions. He said he drills angled holes where ever there is a crack and fills it with fiberglass and bedding compound. He said that by adding the holes it increased the surface area of the bedding compound and he said everything looks as it should. He won't be able to do it for two months. I think I could probably do it myself but want a professional job. I figure if it cracks again I will just by another stock.