First time refinish/upgrade job

[mazda3gun]

I've made mention of my walnut stock getting cracked finish last time I hunted with it in deplorable weather(snow/rain mix @ 35*+/-F) and it worried me the wood split. So, I, in my neurotic nature sanded the area where it cracked to inspect it and found only the finish was cracked. Then I got the wild hair to sand it all off and restain/refinish, by hand, and start anew! Here's what I did:

1st) 80grit paper, used a 'Dremel' type tool for the stubborn and hard to reach places. Following grain
2nd) Used a 3M Med/Fine foam sanding block I picked up at WallyWorld, it sucks for this actually so don't buy one, to smooth things out. Cross grain
3rd) 220grit paper. Following grain
4th) I had lightly sanded over the knurling on the fore end and grip to keep them the same plain original gunstock color in the background, to create a 2-tone effect. Taped over them and cut out a perfect edge around them while I applied the stain. Well, blue painters tape didn't hold up too well to the dark Ebony and it seeped through:mad:. So I went ahead and just brushed on the satin over those areas.
5th) I'll be applying a spray-on satin clear coat, several layers, while using a green scotch brite pad between coats. Probably over kill since it's satin, but oh well. Those pics will be posted in a follow-up once done.
6th) It'll be put back together with my new Nikon PROSTAFF optics and a cheek riser/shell holder. Bipod still not purchased yet.
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b486/h22ludedude/IMG_20140101_171401_610_zps327fd081.jpg?t=13886992 89
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b486/h22ludedude/IMG_20131222_221315_290_zps2d2ceda1.jpg
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b486/h22ludedude/IMG_20140101_175627_589_zps5e255b35.jpg
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b486/h22ludedude/IMG_20140101_180946_203_zps804d2192.jpg
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b486/h22ludedude/IMG_20140101_222221_746_zps25c4847a.jpg
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b486/h22ludedude/IMG_20140101_222234_992_zps0eb16691.jpg

[thomae]

Looks like you will end up with a nice stock. I have trouble being patient enough to do a really good finishing job.
Nice pictures, by the way. :cool:

[ShawneeB]

That's looking good Mazda. Good job on the photo posting.

[mazda3gun]

Thanks fellas! Unfortunately, it's snowing again so I can't clear coat tonight due to not having garage access. Hanging it from the front porch gurters worked for the stain, I'll do the same for final coats too.
I just hope I didn't affect the bedding any??? Only sanded til the original clear and stain was gone. Took it easy on the inner parts for fear of just that.

[RP12]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news Pardner, but that stock is not walnut. It's either beech or birch. I can't remember which one has the thumb nail clipping flecks in it. Don't get me wrong, you did a great job refinishing it. It looks fantastic.

[mazda3gun]

Oh. Oops, thought it was a lil light colored and soft. You're right then. Just thought it was different since I've only seen walnut in furniture and floors lol.
Thanks for the comp though!

[mazda3gun]

I'm beginning to think this might need to be a Help Me Decide thread now. Sitting here at work while looking at the pics makes me ponder sponging on some flat OD green, tan, and gray paints... Just to help it's concealment in the woods of course. And it would only be the stock, never touched metal much, a lil apprehensive to do it. Although my 64's receiver needs the pitting knocked off, that's another thread in a another category though.
No cigarette is driving me crazy if you can't tell!

[ShawneeB]

If you decide to paint it, really rough up the finish you put on. It's wood no matter what you do to it, wood looks nice.

[mazda3gun]

It's not clear coated yet. So I shouldn't have to rough it up too much, just a light sand w/ 220grit should work. If I go that route.

[RP12]

Pardner, I would clear it. But that's just me. I love the look of wood, and that one looks real good.

[mazda3gun]

I'm still debating. Still too cold to do any work outside. Last thing I want is snow blowing onto bare wood while I'm spraying clear coat. May just have to squeeze in the garage at my cousin's to get it done, I'm kinda impatient.

[mazda3gun]

She's looking purty!!! Sweet in fact! BUT, the Nikon glass' tube is shorter than the Simmons', didn't realize that, so I need to buy a one-piece before I post any final pics. I want it to be complete before I allow it to be seen. :)

[mazda3gun]

Got the Weaver one-piece rail on, a bipod, and the barrel free floats all the way to the nut/lug still!

BUT! I need different rings now:sorrow:. The rail is taller than the factory 2-piece, about 1/4-1/2" thick, and since it's an 'extended' rail the obj. and ocular ends are VERY close to touching. I don't wanna risk messing up a brand new scope so I'll have to get some taller rings. I just hope I won't have to get another set for the 64 after it's upgrades are done.

Pics to come soon fellas!

[RiverSink]

I have and would suggest that you also cut the rail even with the back side of the barrel nut. By doing that you will be able to use a lower set of ring's. If you take your time and do a clean cut touched up with a file and a little black paint it will look like it came that way. Good luck, tall ring's are a bad idea in many different way's.

[mazda3gun]

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b486/h22ludedude/IMG_20140131_082802_zps3304b37c.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/h22ludedude/media/IMG_20140131_082802_zps3304b37c.jpg.html)
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b486/h22ludedude/IMG_20140131_082944_zps231c38ce.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/h22ludedude/media/IMG_20140131_082944_zps231c38ce.jpg.html)
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b486/h22ludedude/IMG_20140131_083656_zps02504dd2.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/h22ludedude/media/IMG_20140131_083656_zps02504dd2.jpg.html)
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b486/h22ludedude/IMG_20140125_162836_875_zps6424afb8.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/h22ludedude/media/IMG_20140125_162836_875_zps6424afb8.jpg.html)

[mazda3gun]

I'm terrible at photo editing, and my phone doesn't have the greatest of editing capabilities but it takes great pictures when I don't shake, haha. I really wish I could get the perfect light so that 110's stock color and grain could be appreciated properly.

[ShawneeB]

Looks really good. I like the depth of the stain and contrast with the checkering.

[mazda3gun]

Thank ya sir! Now, just some slightly taller rings, a range trip to sight the scope, and she'll be droppin whitetails and coyotes soon!

[ShawneeB]

Good deal, good luck hunting. I set up the Stevens 200 in 243 with EGW and Siggie Z's for next year deer season. EGW and medium siggie Z's. Setting up another, Stevens 200 30-06 too but it's so light, be skert to shoot it! Same rings and mount again.

[sniper15545]

Very nice!