Tuning Refinishing my HW55M stock

Jump to latest Follow Reply
wijib

wijib

Member
Jul 8, 2020
486
442
Leland, North Carolina, United States
I recently acquired a pretty beat up 55M. I say that it was "beat up" but I guess it could also be said that it was well worn. Lots of deep dents and scratches in the wood but the metal wasn't all that bad with freckling rust on the compression tube and some minor rust spots on the barrel. Sent the metal off to be re-blued (Precision Bluing in NC). The stock ... is being re-done by me. I've had some long time experience with working and finishing wood. Done a few gunstocks. I think that I've used every sort of finish known to man. I decided to try Napiers London Oil. I like hand rubbed finishes. After prepping the stock (removed the old finish , steamed out the dents, sanded out the scratches) I've applied 3 coats and plan to do at least 7 more. I like this stuff (London Oil) - Boiled Linseed oil based with some hardeners/drying agents, varnish, etc in there I suspect. Bottom line - my old Formby's (now owned by Minwax) Antique Oil finish feels, smells, and finishes wood about the same as my London Oil. Also, it's tons cheaper. I'm very pleased so far with the results from the Napier's London Oil. Some photos attached - notice that I masked off the checkering - didn't want to disturb that in any way.

Some of you have suggested that by restoring the air gun I may diminish it in some way as to lose some value. I understand. However it is my opinion that it deserved to be brought back to it's former glory - maybe better. Once I get it all back together I'll post photos.

Bill

IMG_3027.1626612190.JPG
IMG_3008.1626612190.JPG
IMG_3038.1626612191.JPG
IMG_3005.1626612192.JPG
IMG_3004.1626612193.JPG
IMG_3033.1626612194.JPG

 
Some years back, I had an awesome TX200 that I wanted to make a "one of a kind" rifle. After rubbing the stock with oil it brought out the grain of the walnut beautifully. Then I decided to turn the checkering black, used an artists brush to paint the checkering black then clear coated over it. Cant remember how many compliments I recieved on that rifle. When it came time to retire and sell it, it was easily recognized and sold within one hour of posting. Dont know if anyone else ever did that same thing or not, but that rifle sure looked awesome!!
 
Upvote 0
Some years back, I had an awesome TX200 that I wanted to make a "one of a kind" rifle. After rubbing the stock with oil it brought out the grain of the walnut beautifully. Then I decided to turn the checkering black, used an artists brush to paint the checkering black then clear coated over it. Cant remember how many compliments I recieved on that rifle. When it came time to retire and sell it, it was easily recognized and sold within one hour of posting. Dont know if anyone else ever did that same thing or not, but that rifle sure looked awesome!!
Click to expand...

I talked with a tuner person not long ago and he said that in re-doing a few stocks he darkened the checkered panels and it looked great. If you have any photos of your TX200 I would love to see them.

Bill
 
Upvote 0
I tried Macarri's Royal London Oil and for me it was a total nightmare.
Click to expand...

Sorry that you had problems with your finish. What did you end up doing? I used Napiers London Oil and it was very time consuming. Had to wait several days between very thin coats but it turned out well. I have to tell you that I am very experienced with many different types of finishes and this was something I would rate as difficult. I finished it off with some Renaissance wax. (I use this s__t on the whole gun)
 
Upvote 0
I tried Macarri's Royal London Oil and for me it was a total nightmare.
Click to expand...


I got it figured out. It came out so nice. And I was getting frustrated with it. Roll eyes. I gotta post pictures when I get time to take some. Beautiful figure in it . It needs the right light to show you how good it looks.
Click to expand...

Looking forward to see your photos!



Regards,

Bill
 
Upvote 0
Quick photos I took. Not the best but I didn't have much time to get lighting right and show the beauty

Before I trimmed the comb down beside another Tomahawk for comparison

P1019998.1628391464.JPG


After trim and refinish

P1010005 2.1628391585.JPG
P1010015 2.1628392207.JPG
P1010016.1628392246.JPG
P1010021.1628392269.JPG
P1010022.1628392300.JPG
P1010023.1628392318.JPG


Looks a little better I think
Click to expand...

I'll say, it looks very nice. Did you use the London Oil? What did you do differently?

Regards,

Bill
 
Upvote 0
Just a lowly Hatsan Model 95 Turkish Walnut stock but the factory finish left a lot to be desired so I tore into it. Wanted the darker checkering like Airshot did. Used an artist brush and Minwax Rosewood stain for the checkering, taped it all off, then a 50/50 mix of Minwax Gunstock and Light Walnut for the rest then 18 coats of Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil

Yep, way overboard for an inexpensive Hatsan but Turkish Walnut deserves better than Hatsan generally does with it.

87 refinish 14.1628427076.jpg
 
 
Upvote 0
I'll say, it looks very nice. Did you use the London Oil? What did you do differently?

Regards,

Bill
Click to expand...

I was having some trouble with the "sanded in" finish process. 320 was making a lot of slurry but it did fill the pores nicely. Biggest problem was I managed to get that into the checkers. And some accumulation on the surfaces. Like some other things I had to figure out the process. Some emails to ARH were helpful. I went over the checkering with a triangle needle file to clean them up better than they were anyway. Used Minwax red oak oil stain to accent the grain and I like the color. I left the stain on a bit too long. So next day I washed it down with mineral spirits. That did the trick. Nice and rich but clear and transparent. Retaining the translucent appearance and depth of a good wood finish. Pleased with the satin sheen. I did not want a glossy plastic coat. Maybe 6 coats all told. I applied a few coats to bury the stain before the sanding process so I wouldn't affect it.

Somewhat surprised how well this stock came out compared to the original. Really beautiful stock
 
Upvote 0
Just a lowly Hatsan Model 95 Turkish Walnut stock but the factory finish left a lot to be desired so I tore into it. Wanted the darker checkering like Airshot did. Used an artist brush and Minwax Rosewood stain for the checkering, taped it all off, then a 50/50 mix of Minwax Gunstock and Light Walnut for the rest then 18 coats of Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil

Yep, way overboard for an inexpensive Hatsan but Turkish Walnut deserves better than Hatsan generally does with it.

87 refinish 14.1628427076.jpg
Click to expand...

Turned out very well. The gun looks amazing.

Bill
 
Upvote 0
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Home
Forums
Resources
Menu