Refinishing a No5 stock

I have a question for anyone with more knowledge than me about this. I posted in another topic that I purchased a Lee Enfield No5 with a mismatched butt stock. I found a No5 stock online that I intend to replace the No4 stock which is currently on my rifle. However, the woodwork on my rifle has a glossy/lacquered finish which I believe is not original. I understand the British put an oiled finish on their weapons. From what I understand the glossy finish came later during refurbishment, possibly in India where I believe it was common.
I would like that oiled finish on my example. The problem I have is how do I remove the glossy finish from the fore end woodwork? I've been told to NEVER, under any circumstances, use sandpaper. So, what then? Can I use some type of paint stripper? I also read somewhere that an extremely fine wire wool might work. Do I use that by itself? Or maybe with the paint stripper?
Any and all help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Charlie, I have spent many years , more than 55 , refinishing mostly walnut gun stocks. My goal was to have it looks as original as possible and that the finish should match the metal in appearance. In your case I would want my rifle to look it's age but having been used yet well cared for.

The first thing I would do is find out it's original for sure.....I suspect oiled walnut. Then I would use a orange base stripper....forget the name ....and using very light amounts and 0000 or 00000 steel wool gentle clean and street both pieces until they were as similar in appearance as possible . Be careful to not remove any wood , especially where it meets metal. Get bit smooth, not super shinny, it is a military weapon, not made by Purdey.

Cut boiled linseed oil about 50 % with mineral spirits. Run slowly in to the wood , with the grain. then wipe and sit for a day or two...in Alabama a week or two !!!! Using a clean cloth keep adding slow layers. If it gets to shinny slightly remove the shine with 000-0000 steel wool.

To achieve an older military look do not over do it. Slowly rub. It is difficult to refinish a stock on a 70+ year old gun and not have it look refinished so a slow balance is called for. Lots of finishes out there, most promise being faster. I like the original old boiled linseed.

Remember slow and not too much. That old girl has been through a lot, let her age show through.

Gaines

 

Hi Charlie

I hope I'm wrong but something sounds fishy here. There are a lot of fake No. 5s out there and No 4 stocks are a common warning sign.

Does your receiver have the the No. 5 lightening flutes on it? Having them doesn't prove positvely that it is a No 5 but not having them proves that it is a fake. You have to take the hand guard off to see them.

It would still be fun to shoot and I'd still put the No 5 stock on it. Hope I'm wrong

 

Gaines has got there before I could - he's right on the nail !

I used exactly the method he describes ( which in fact I gleaned from the K98 Forum ) on my rather shabby laminated-stock deact K98K some . With much patience and 'elbow grease' I was delighted with the result, which has remained looking pristine for nearly ten years now.....

 

Gaines

Thank you so much for your help. I will follow your instructions to the word. When its all done, I promise I will post a photo.

 

Dave55

I understand your doubts about the originality of my No5, there are a lot of fakes out there and admittedly I did purchase it with little knowledge of the "jungle carbine". However, after much research since buying it, I have checked it over thoroughly. Check out my previous post entitled "Lee Enfield No.5 Mk1" dated 11 August 2014. There are several photos of my weapon there which point toward it being authentic. Guess I lucked out.
For an unknown reason someone in its past history removed the original butt stock and replaced it with a No4, don't know why and probably never will. But I appreciate your advice also, thank you.

 

Good. I'm glad. Be careful with the linseed oil rags. Spontaneous combustion can be a real problem if they sit around a bit.
Buying a fireproof rag can is on my list but I never get around to it. I probably will after the house burns down