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stinkeypete · June 17, 2022, 05:27 PM

Man, whoever came up with the idea of salt-curing hardwoods sure made a mess.

For those unaware, hardwoods were packed in salt to speed the curing over kiln curing.. Morton Salt developed the process for furniture in 1965.

From 1966 to 1972, this wood may have been used for gunstocks, thinking it was safe and supplying a big demand. Over time, the slight hint of salt in the wood usually causes corrosion in metalwork touching the wood. It can be minor, or a major headache. Many fine firearms were ruined by salt wood. It’s a well known problem in Browning shotguns of that era… which is a real shame as the figure in the stock is a feature many shotgunners prize.

June 17, 2022, 05:27 PM	#6
stinkeypete Senior Member Join Date: July 22, 2010 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 1,344	Man, whoever came up with the idea of salt-curing hardwoods sure made a mess. For those unaware, hardwoods were packed in salt to speed the curing over kiln curing.. Morton Salt developed the process for furniture in 1965. From 1966 to 1972, this wood may have been used for gunstocks, thinking it was safe and supplying a big demand. Over time, the slight hint of salt in the wood usually causes corrosion in metalwork touching the wood. It can be minor, or a major headache. Many fine firearms were ruined by salt wood. It’s a well known problem in Browning shotguns of that era… which is a real shame as the figure in the stock is a feature many shotgunners prize. __________________ My book "The Pheasant Hunter's Action Adventure Cookbook" is now on Amazon. Tall tales, hunting tips, butchering from bird to the freezer, and recipes.