By "nice" I mean >$700 but not necessarily in the Kimber, or Cooper, or custom range... But just a good rifle with a pleasant wood stock.
Specifically, I'm talking about my Winchester M70 Featherweight that I got last year. I'm nearly finished with my second deer season with it, and I bought it last year intending it to be my primary rifle for the rest of my life (and hopefully we're talking decades here... I'm only 45). I have several other deer rifles, but this is my go-to gun, and it's been to the woods a good bit. As such, the walnut stock is quickly getting some character to it... which is completely expected. Climbing stands, 4 wheeler rides, and being laid down on the tailgate will do that. I don't intend to stop using it... I'm just wondering what I should be doing to keep the stock looking as good as a working rifle can be?
What do y'all do to keep a walnut stock looking its best while still using it for it's intended purpose? I know the character will continue to grow... And that's part of it... But what's best to avoid neglect? I use a silicon cloth on it but wondering if oiling is needed from time to time as well.
Specifically, I'm talking about my Winchester M70 Featherweight that I got last year. I'm nearly finished with my second deer season with it, and I bought it last year intending it to be my primary rifle for the rest of my life (and hopefully we're talking decades here... I'm only 45). I have several other deer rifles, but this is my go-to gun, and it's been to the woods a good bit. As such, the walnut stock is quickly getting some character to it... which is completely expected. Climbing stands, 4 wheeler rides, and being laid down on the tailgate will do that. I don't intend to stop using it... I'm just wondering what I should be doing to keep the stock looking as good as a working rifle can be?
What do y'all do to keep a walnut stock looking its best while still using it for it's intended purpose? I know the character will continue to grow... And that's part of it... But what's best to avoid neglect? I use a silicon cloth on it but wondering if oiling is needed from time to time as well.