Mosin Stock Refinishing-By Mosin Shooter

[Mosin Shooter]

OK, for all of you that want to post refinishing processes here feel free, but I ask processes only, I want to put this as a Sticky.

Heres what I did, its easy to do and not too expensive.

First you get all you need, heres what I got:
Dawn Power Dissolver (DPD in the article)
MinWax Red Mahogany Stain
Bulls Eye Shellac
180, 220, 440 and 1200 grit sandpaper
0000 Steel Wool
Several 3/4" Brushes for Various uses

First you completely dissassemble your Mosin so that no metal parts remain on the gun (Endcaps are an exception, as they are damn near impossible to remove and get back on).

Then, what I did, I took the Mosin outside and strung it up by the sling cutouts, it work great if you find a horizontal branch. Cover the endcaps with tape so they dont get hit with the DPD

Spray the stock with the DPD, rub the DPD into the stock with the brush so you get an even coat, allow 15-20 minutes for the alkaline dissolvers in the DPD. Use rubber gloves, I didnt and my hands didnt look to nice after.

After the alloted time, spray off the stock with a high powered hose, but make SURE the water is warm, otherwise it isnt too effective.

Repeat as needed, usually 3-4 times, more if needed, especially if the stock is drowned in cosmoline. Allow the stock to dry for at the absolute minimum 36 hours, otherwise it will critically affect the outcome of the stock, ie:air bubbles and water seeping under the finish.

After the 36 hour minimum you can sand off whats left of the finish, if any and any divets in the stock, be careful during this step if you like you cartouches, the square Ukrainian refurb mark will usually survive, but others, only burned into the finish will not.

Begin applying the stain, my recommendations; take an old sock knot up one end and use that to apply the stain, it allows for the most even finish you can get.

As a general rule with MinWax Stains 1 coat will generally give you a dark deep red finish, the more you apply the darker it gets.

Buff the finish with the 0000 steel wool to dull the shine a little if you want.

Allow 24 hours to let the stain fully set in.

After 24 hours, or if you applied multiple stains however long it takes, begin applying your finish. Some people use polyurethane, or TungOil, I used Shellac. Use one of the brushes to completely cover the stock in Shellac. After you are done, rinse off the brush with a full raw blast of DPD, it really works for this too.

Use the steel wool to dull the finish alittle if you want or just let it shine, the good thing about Bullseye Shellac, you only have to separate the coats by one hour as its fast drying. Let the finish, set up overnight and then reassemble the rifle, and there you have it, you have refinished your Mosin.

Please remember,post refinishing processes here but I ask processes only.

[SwedeSteve]

Sounds good! But there are so many, it's gonna get confusing! Maybe we should donate some socks and do a test of the most recommended!

[thaddy1978]

I actually used Formby's tung oil and rubbed it on with a pair of rubber gloves. It's kinda supposed to be rubbed in like waxing a car. Dip my glove-covered finger or two in the stuff and rubbed it in. Worked great!

[BOHICA1962]

Mosin Shooter.......which model MN did you refinish with this method? The wood on my 91/59 is very different from the wood on my M39s. Will the method you use work on both woods? I know it will on the 91/59 but I'm not sure about the outcome on the wild coloration on my M39.


ETA I apply BLO or TO with my bare hand.........goes on smoother for me.

[sc928porsche]

Apply stain with a brush and wipe off with clean rags.
Use 800 or 1200 grit wet/dry sandpaper instead of steel wool (steel wool will leave small particles of metal in the finish)
Use tack cloth after sanding and between coats.

[Anton]

I went for the natural wood look. I used Krud Cutter and sprayed it on the stock and wiped it off. This took off most of the old finish after 4-5 applications.
Next I used 0000 steel wool and sanded off any of the remaining finish.
Next I coated the whole stock with Tung Oil and let it sit over night.
Lastly I put a coat of Minwax Finishing Wax. You rub it on with a rag like car wax, then rub it off with a clean cloth.
This is the result.
If you want a different color wood, you could use Minwax Wood Finish Oil Based Stain prior to the Wax Finish.

[K.H.]

Hey Anton, is it just me, or is your bolt handle covered in rust in that pic?

P.S. The stock I refinished turned out kinda like that, nice work!

[Anton]

Its not rust. It is some kind of krud from years of use I guess.
Maybe I'll use a grinder (brush part) and get it off.

[K.H.]

I had that kind of stuff on one of my bolts, all I did was take some steel wool and rub it off the polished it up with some turtlewax polishing compound.

[Mosin Shooter]

Originally Posted by BOHICA1962

Mosin Shooter.......which model MN did you refinish with this method? The wood on my 91/59 is very different from the wood on my M39s. Will the method you use work on both woods? I know it will on the 91/59 but I'm not sure about the outcome on the wild coloration on my M39.


ETA I apply BLO or TO with my bare hand.........goes on smoother for me.

I refinished a M91/30 walnut stock, not lami, so I dont own any other Mosins so I dont know the difference in the wood