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

Matarese 2024 NSCA Winch 1
Matarese 2024 NSCA Winch 1

2024 NSCA National Championship: Team Winchester’s Matarese Secures Third Place In Main Event

Team Winchester and White Flyer shooters claim top finishes at 2024 NSCA National Championship, including Anthony Matarese, Jr., taking third in the Main Event and Joe Fanizzi in third for juniors.

Magpul’s New PMAG 20 LR/SR GEN M3 Magazine Has Round Count Verification Window

Magpul adds windowed PMAG 20 LR/SR GEN M3 variant to its 7.62x51 mm NATO/.308 Win. magazine lineup.

CMP Class Teaches Advanced M1 Garand Rifle Maintenance

Civilian Marksmanship Program releases dates for 2025 Advanced Maintenance classes to be held in Anniston, Ala.

Classic SSUSA: The Inaugural NRA World Shooting Championship

Begin with 159 world champions, run them through 11 shooting stages, all with standard guns provided by the match sponsors, and you end up with a new trophy and $50,000 awarded to the inaugural NRA World Shooting Champion.

Legends: Sue Ann Sandusky 1952-2024

The shooting sports community mourns the loss of Sue Ann Sandusky, a three-time NRA All-American, Army veteran and Distinguished service rifle shooter, who sadly passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

Gunwerks Spike Feet Set Designed To Improve Grip And Add Stability In Uneven Terrain

This new set of spike feet for the Gunwerks Elevate 2.0 bipod promises to maintain a solid grip in tough terrain.

Interests



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