I've got a very nice example of both guns, the M1 is correct to 1944 and the '03 dates from the '30's (IIRC). Both are in excellent shape and both wear the original finish on thier stocks complete with 'character' bumps, dents etc. I do not want to refinish or strip either and am looking for advice on what to do to refresh the original or 'as acquired' shape.
Neither are dried out nor cracked and I'm wondering if a thinned linseed oil rub down will harm or enhance the wood. Could this be seen as 'refinish' or at this point in time, as long as I don't go overboard, would this be considered just maintanence of the stock finish?
I don't want to do anything to either to affect the value or aesthetics of either, just don't want them to sit and dry out or deteriorate.
I see lots of sites and advice for a complete refinish but that's not what I'm after.
Any advice or pointers would be appreciated.
Thanks,
RD

Have you checked the CMP forums?  The "How-To's" section has good advice, and they might have the answer you're looking for.

Oiling those stocks is considered maintenance. They are supposed to be oil occasionally.
If they get dirty you can clean them with Simple Green or similar cleaner, and a Scotch Brite pad gets grime out of the pores in the wood.
I personally believe the "character" dings and dents are mostly from being stored for decades.

You can make a cleaner with a 50/50 mix of blo and turpentine.  This removes dirt, grease and grim.  Follow up a day later with a coat of blo, allow the blo to soak in for 20-30 minutes then wipe dry.

1903a3 Remington cleaned with the above method.

BLO. idk if thats historically accurate though. if youre into that kind of thing

It is, I use it, and then a week or so later I usually rub them down with Johnson's paste wax, brings out the figure in the wood a bit more.

BLO is what was originally used.

Tom's 1/3 Mix


Stock Cleaner

HOWARDS FEED AND WAX
http://www.amazon.com/Howard-FW0016-Feed-N-Wax-Conditioner-16-Ounce/dp/B001BKQYGW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416435184&sr=8-1&keywords=howards+feed-n-wax

BLO is a pain to use and takes a lot of time although it is the original finish.
A lot of people who want to refinish a milsurp without the trouble use a tung oil finish- not straight tung oil. It gives sn authentic looking finish that is easier to use.