Mosin-Nagant: Should I refinish stock?

SW 586 · November 26, 2001, 03:09 PM

Picked up a Romanian M44 this weekend. I have not yet fired it but I have 3 boxes of ammo for next weekend. The thing looks to be in real good shape. Made in 1955. Good blueing, good rifling, bayonet is there, stock is not oil soaked at all but has some dents, dings and scratches. Took it apart and I am convinced the stock has never been off the gun. I paid $89 and bought it as a fun gun and to take up space in my gun cabinet. If you were me, would you sand and refinish the stock to make it look better, or just leave it alone? (Winter is coming and I need a project.)
Thanks for any advice.

fastforty · November 26, 2001, 10:38 PM

I've pulled the "patina" off of a few vintage stocks, and was surprised and pleased at what was underneath. I wouldn't do it to something that has a high collector value. I don't think yer gonna hurt the $89 that you have invested too much. I'd go for it.

November 26, 2001, 03:09 PM	#1
SW 586 Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2000 Posts: 269	Mosin-Nagant: Should I refinish stock? Picked up a Romanian M44 this weekend. I have not yet fired it but I have 3 boxes of ammo for next weekend. The thing looks to be in real good shape. Made in 1955. Good blueing, good rifling, bayonet is there, stock is not oil soaked at all but has some dents, dings and scratches. Took it apart and I am convinced the stock has never been off the gun. I paid $89 and bought it as a fun gun and to take up space in my gun cabinet. If you were me, would you sand and refinish the stock to make it look better, or just leave it alone? (Winter is coming and I need a project.) Thanks for any advice. __________________ "I started out with nothing and I still have most of it left"

November 26, 2001, 10:38 PM	#2
fastforty Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 1999 Location: In a kornfield in kalifornia Posts: 1,161	I've pulled the "patina" off of a few vintage stocks, and was surprised and pleased at what was underneath. I wouldn't do it to something that has a high collector value. I don't think yer gonna hurt the $89 that you have invested too much. I'd go for it. __________________ When Banjos are outlawed, only Outlaws will have Banjos The Bible is my lawbook. I turn the other cheek when applicable, and spend the rest of my days resisting evil at every front, until I have breathed my last breath.