My new CMP Special Rack Grade

[RandyP]

Presently waiting for the last coat of tung oil to cure so I can grease the internals and re-assemble the July '44 SA.

[RandyP]

I did 3 coats of 50/50 Real Milk Company Tung Oil and Mineral Spirits on the new walnut stock, VERY light sanding between coats with a 3M Final Stripping Pad from Home depot, then a tack cloth. Thinning with the mineral spirits allows the tung oil to soak into the wood better to start. I did the mixing in a small glass jar, like from baby food. Mineral spirits can attack some plastics. The final coat was pure Tung Oil and I'll leave it to hang and cure over the next few days.

For anyone interested, the small white plastic 8oz jug of their tung oil should be enough to treat a couple dozen Garand stocks. Just like my 1lb tub of STP hi temp wheel bearing grease from that noted Garand supplier AutoZone will last for more decades than anyone in my family will exist. lol

And if I can treat a new CMP gun stock, anyone can treat a new CMP gun stock. YouTube vids and forum posts on the interwebs can make it sound far more daunting than it really is. Wipe the stuff on with a small rag, let it sit for a while, wipe it off with a cotton cloth, and let it dry. Buff down any fuzz with the 3M pad, wipe with the tack cloth...repeat for as many coats as you like for your desired finish.

Easy-Peasey and affordable. I have to force myself to remember that this is a Battle Rifle, not a Faberge Egg - lol

[RandyP]

My rifle is now assembled and functional.

a BIG thanks to youtube videos and this website when it came time to assemble the bits and pieces back into the receiver - LOL That new stainless 17-7 op rod spring is one stout rascal.

I replaced the clip latch spring, just because it was cheap and easy, and now also know that it takes a lot more force than I expected to load a full enbloc clip. I'm using dummy rounds I found online.

Now comes "The Longest Wait" until I can present it to my 45 yr old son for Christmas. In the interim I'm awaiting a replacement rear sight cover/spring that I will take to a local trophy engraver to personalize for the lad.

Life is good.

[jak]

Thanks for the updates. Good job.

[Jmd62]

My rifle is now assembled and functional.

a BIG thanks to youtube videos and this website when it came time to assemble the bits and pieces back into the receiver - LOL That new stainless 17-7 op rod spring is one stout rascal.

I replaced the clip latch spring, just because it was cheap and easy, and now also know that it takes a lot more force than I expected to load a full enbloc clip. I'm using dummy rounds I found online.

Now comes "The Longest Wait" until I can present it to my 45 yr old son for Christmas. In the interim I'm awaiting a replacement rear sight cover/spring that I will take to a local trophy engraver to personalize for the lad.

Life is good.

Now that's what I call a gift, he will be thrilled!

[RandyP]

A couple pics of the finished tung oil stock;

[m14brian]

She looks great!
m14brian

[RandyP]

Thanks - it's easy to end up with a great looking rifle when the CMP Special grades let you start out with a great looking rifle - lol. As I may have mentioned elsewhere, I was interested in getting a good 'shooter' Garand, with almost no interest in its 'historic' completeness. I knew that starting with a brand new barrel and stock and refinished receiver, my gift will keep on giving long after I'm gone. I don't have much in the way of 'treasure' to hand down, but I know that my firearms will have many lifetimes to give to those who follow.