Armory Sponsor
Posted: 10/24/2010 6:42:28 PM EDT
|
I have a Ruger M77 rifle that I want to take out deer hunting this year. I need to put some stock finish on the inside of the barrel channel to help seal the wood. What finish product on the market is good for sealing the wood? True oil be ok? Also, I hear some people apply wax on the metal surface of the gun for protection in wet weather? What about just coat of breakfree CLP or Eezox? I do not plan on hunting in down pours of rain...but still want to weatherize my rifle from the elements.
Thanks |
|
Any good Marine-grade wood finish will do for the wood.
By Marine-grade, I mean something like Spar varnish. These spar varnishes are formulated to be flexible enough that the finish won't crack when exposed to the elements. The down side is that these require longer to dry and longer to reach full hardness. Another good option is an ordinary good quality Polyurethane wood finish, such as Minwax poly. These are hard, tough, and very durable and water resistant. Thin the first coat fairly thin to get good penetration. Thin the second coat slightly to give better brushing. Allow the finish to cure for a week to reach full hardness, then apply a coat of Johnson's Paste Wax. Don't wipe the wax off. This will pretty well seal the wood to any water. Use a soft toothbrush to apply the wax. Give it 30 minutes to harden before assembling the gun. For the metal, you can use CLP Breakfree or Exxox, but you might do better by applying a coat of wax to the metal under the wood and not wiping it off. |
|
Why not use this opportunity to glass bed the rifle? It will seal the wood and also minimize any effects moisture will have on your POA. No need to bed the barrel-just skim coat the channel making sure the barrel still floats free. You also get the advantage of strengthening the stock as well.
As far as the metal-just soak a rag with CLP and toss it in a ziploc bag- toss it in your hunting bag and just give a wipe in the am before you head out and do likewise in the evening. Short of drowning the rifle in a pond or such it will hold you over till you can get home and clean/lube thoroughly. |
Armory Sponsor