Mosin-Nagant: Should I refinish the stock?

S

SW 586

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I had originally posted this over on Harley's forum, but thought this might be a more appropriate place. Sorry for the duplication.

Picked up a Romanian M44 this weekend. I have not yet fired it but I have 3 boxes of ammo for next weekend. The thing looks to be in real good shape. Made in 1955. Good blueing, good rifling, bayonet is there, stock is not oil soaked at all but has some dents, dings and scratches. Took it apart and I am convinced the stock has never been off the gun. I paid $89 and bought it as a fun gun and to take up space in my gun cabinet. If you were me, would you sand and refinish the stock to make it look better, or just leave it alone? (Winter is coming and I need a project.)
Thanks for any advice.
 
I have 2 that I have cleaned up and all I do is wash the stock with a citrus based cleaner, let dry, lightly steel wool, and rub on a couple of coats of boiled linseed oil. They come out looking great. Good luck, Mike...
 

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Leave it alone. It isn't worth much, but one day it may be and bubbaized milsurps do not retain value. Don't sand any cartouches. Clean the finish with hot soapy water and steam out dents if you want (avoid cartouches) and after it dries apply some boiled linseed oil if the wood is too dry.

But it's your rifle to do with as you please.
 
I'm with AC on this. Even the cheap-as-dirt old military surplus rifles are a piece of history. Plus, you never know what the future may hold. Look at how many people sporterized their Springfields in the dark ages thinking they would always be cheaper than dirt. Some of the things that were done to those classic rifles in the name of progress--it's like what they did to Penn Station.
 
Mike,
Those rifles are beautiful! is it possible to fall in love with a rifle?;)
I'll be picking up my M-44 that I bought from AIM this saturday...can't wait to spend a little quality time with my new rifle!
Tony.
 
Thanks, the one in front is Polish and the rear one is Romanian. The Polish is nicer wood/bluing wise than some Brownings that I have owned. They both shoot very well, I think the Mosin's are a great rifle. Good luck, Mike...
 
Mike: Very nice looking rifles. Mine is missing the cleaning rod and sling. I would also like to find some stripper clips.

AC: By "cartouches", I assume you are referring to the emblems and numerals stamped into the wood. Mine has several in various locations, all of which are very distinct with no oblieration by scratches.

Cosmoline: I once made the stupid mistake of refinishing my deceased father's 1940's era Gibson hollow body guitar just to make it look "prettier". What an young and impetuous idiot I was!

I think I'll just rub on a light coat of BLO and call it good.
 
Do what you want with it.

If the stock is in good shape, as well as the finish, clean it and leave it alone.

If not, go ahead and refinish. Just don't do one of those super shiny jobs that really look weird on a military rifle. I usually chemical strip, lightly steel wool the wood, restain, and use spray on spar varnish to give it a near issued look that lasts.
 
Thanks Mike. Couldn't get the link to work for some reason so I just went to their home page and found it from there.
Thanks for your responses.
 
Mike or anyone else,
I have read that the Mosin M-44's shoot tighter groups with the bayo extended...is this true? i've read conflicting reports and would like to know your opinion (s) thanks,
Tony.
 
I never tried with the bayonette extended. Mine shoot to point of aim with the bayonette folded back. I have just shot about 20 rounds through each of them, they do make a fireball. Good luck, Mike...
 
All three of mine shoot 4 to 6 inches left when the bayonette is folded and POA when extended. I was told that the rifle was made that way, but I have no idea why. Wish mine looked half as nice as Mike's, maybe I'll work on one this weekend.
 
These $79 rifles will never be worth more than what you paid for them, just like a beat up Jennings they hand in at buy backs will never be a collectors piece.

Those two in the pic.s above look fantastic. I'd go that way.

If you think that they will be a collectors item, scrape up the loose change in your couch and buy another to keep un touched!!

Bowser.
 
Guys,
I just had a thought (ouch!) if the Mosins shoot more accurately with the bayo extended...and they produce a giant fireball when shot...does it affect the bayo at all? I haven't accually shot one yet so I don't know from personal experience...but I have read LOTS about the basketball sized flame that shoots out the end...any comments?
Tony.
 
All I know is that my spike takes some elbow grease to clean after a good day at the range. Shooting one at night does create some impressive fireworks, but I think all the hub-bub about the recoil is abit overdone. It ain't no .22, but it ain't no .300 mag either. Still have to feel alittle sorry for those soldiers who had to fire hundreds of rounds every day on the field of battle.
 
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