Q19QC%CUNYVM.BitNet@vms3.macc.wisc.edu (Tom Hall) (05/30/91)
I'm sure that almost everyone has seen or heard of the problems
that can be caused by changes in temperature or humidity concerning
rifle stocks. Unless a rifle barrel is free floated or completely glass
beded (barrel channel included) when those changes take place the zero
of the rifle can also change.
I had problems with a few of my rifles and was looking for
a solution somewhat less expensive than buying composite or laminate
stocks. The simplest way was to seal the stock up, not letting humidity
in or out. The best thing I found to accomplish this was one of the
"water seal" products such as Thompsons. This works much better than varnish
or lacquer because when you apply it there is no build up. The wood soaks it
up and only two coats are needed. It wont chip or crack off either.
The idea worked quite well, and not only is it good on rifles, but
any gun that has unfinished wood can be coated with it. You don't have
to strip down the finish, anywhere there is unfinished it will soak in and
the rest can be wiped off. I used it on my duck gun and I no longer have
to worry about the salt water messing up the wood. (The inside of most
pumps, forearms, etc. are usually unfinished.)
As far as putting it on guns that have some collectors value
I don't know if the value will be affected. It dosn't leave any
noticeable film, although water will bead on the surface. Oiling stocks
dosn't affect value so I doubt this will.
Tom Hall
CUNY Queens