Which Oil is Best for M1 Garand Stock Refinishing?

by
posted on April 14, 2017
m1garand-oil.jpg
Linseed oil comes from pressed flax seeds grown in central Europe and Asia. The term “boiled” (as found in hardware stores) is a misnomer since boiled linseed oil includes added chemicals for faster drying than raw linseed oil.

Linseed oil is generally easier to apply than Tung oil which is non-toxic and creates a soft (rather than glossy) finish. While it is easy to touch-up, linseed oil provides no significant barrier against scratching or moisture as does varnish. With the exception of the first coat, sanding is unnecessary with boiled linseed oil.

Linseed oil is highly flammable and poses a fire risk with rags that can combust spontaneously through oxidation. Leave used linseed rags unfolded and flat in a well-ventilated area.
null
Linseed oil (left) is easier to apply than Tung oil. Both of these examples are available from www.Brownells.com.

Through experimentation, the author learned to let each coat stand for 40 minutes, followed by a “light mopping” to remove any standing, wet oil. While you don’t want to rub off all the oil, leaving the entire wet coat on the stock will require weeks to dry. (Yes I did, and now I know.) The “light mopping” method dried in a 70-degree room at 35 percent humidity within 48 hours and was ready for light buffing and the next coat.

Tung oil comes from the nuts and seeds of the Tung tree, which is primarily found in China. It usually takes four or five coats of Tung oil, sanded after each, to get a satin sheen. The surface will be rough and spotty until this point. That’s why you have to sand Tung oil to produce a shiny finish.

Unlike a hard varnish finish, these oils must be reapplied fairly often. For detailed application instructions and a kit for sale with either oil, see: www.garandgear.com/m1-garand-new-oil-finish.

Latest

1961 National Matches 5
1961 National Matches 5

More Than 6,000 Shooters Experience An Improved Range: 1961 National Matches

A refurbished range greeted the more than 6,000 competitors at the 1961 National Matches, a number which broke attendance records.

Rich Combination Of History & Shooting On Display At Creedmoor 150 Match

A weeklong competition with period and recreated rifles was held in October to recognize the 150th anniversary of the original 1874 Creedmoor International Match.

NRA Announces 2025 National Matches Locations & Schedule

The 2025 NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships will be held at the Cardinal Shooting Center, Alliance Rifle Club, Oklahoma City Gun Club and Winnequah Gun Club next June and July.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Rifles

Five rifles that are excellent presents for competitive shooters this holiday season.

All About The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship

The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship was held at Cavern Cove Competitive Shooting Range in Marshall County, Ala., May 16-18.

$50,000 Total Prize Purse At Inaugural Florida Shooters Cup

Apex Shooting Center is hosting the inaugural Florida Shooters Cup Tournament in January 2025 with $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.