Although there are
just as many methods to repairing a gunstock as there are guns, some repairs
are quite easy and can easily be handled at home. Small scratches or nicks in
the stock can quickly be repaired with a minimum of expensive tools, except
perhaps specialty tool sets for removing the
barrel and/or firing mechanism. Unless you are a tool and die maker, it would
probably be foolish to try to repair the barrel, and the firing mechanism may
take greater skills than a home hobbyist can conjure up.
One thing to be aware
of is that repairing a crack in the stock is a bit more complex than you may at
first imagine. Although smaller cracks are easier to seal, large gouges may take
a wooden insert that closely matches the color of your stock. Expert gunsmiths
state that the reason many DIY stock repairs don’t last is because of the type
or quality of the adhesive being used.
Be aware of the fact that
glues, of any kind, are inadequate for stock repairs. The reason for this is
because they are prone to getting brittle over time from drying out. Also, most
sportsmen keep their stocks well oiled with the traditional linseed oil which
will further add to the deterioration of glue, especially wood glue. Most
experienced stock repairmen use a 60 minute slow set epoxy, but never EVER use
something like Elmer’s wood glue. Also, never use an industrial strength
degreaser to remove old glue/epoxy because it will also degrade the natural
‘glue’ that bonds the fibers of the wood together!
If the stock has a
clean break through at any point, you may want to seek the advice of a veteran
gunsmith. However, for small scratches, dings and nicks, the process is easily
handled at home. Remember that if you must use sandpaper of any kind, invest in
high quality paper that has an even surface. Cheap sandpapers have uneven
surfaces which can further degrade the wood of the stock.
A good trick for
removing a ding from the stock is to steam them out with a hot iron. That’s
right! Simply steam the finish from the dent in perhaps 30 second intervals for
each dent. Simply use an ironing cloth with gently applied pressure. This can
eliminate the need to use abrasive sand papers and when the old finish/epoxy is
removed and the stock is ready to be finished.
A boiled linseed oil
is perfect, as mentioned above, and it can be used in similar fashion to
varnishes. The steam method for removing small dents and dings is an easy
repair and one which can be accomplished with or without any expensive tools.
(You may need to promise your wife a night on the town to gain use of her steam
iron, but your newly finished stock will be all the incentive you need.)