HELP/ stock finishing

[thedude]

I am wanting to redo my AK stock. Originally I stripped down the soupbowl finish becuase I wanted a lighter walnut color. I stained it "walnut" then coated it with verathane varnish sanding between coats. Finally I put on a few coats of furniture wax for further protection.

I'm just wondering from those who have messed with pre ban Aks: what were the original finishes like? Did the Russians use tung/linseed oil on their Aks like they did with the Nagants? Or perhaps a varnish/stain?

I'm wanting to create a close-to-historical AK finish.

TIA Greg

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now i have a machine gun ho ho ho

[56s]

Hello thedude,
My Poly-Techs have a linseed finish.
My Norincos have a varnished finish.

Take care, OUT

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56s

[iscariot]

I have a maadi that looks like soviet now. IT has a nice deep color. I did it by stripping the old laquer off and painting it with used motor oil(I know, it sounds crazy). let that cure for a week and then clear coat it. Looks gorgeous.

[heavymetal]

Did you cover all the wood from inside the cleaning kit hole to inside handguards? It will help to keep oils from making the wood soft over the years. Check out some old Garand or M14 stocks. Some are full of Oil and not just tung oil. This is what I do.