BLO or tung?

[Shadowrider]

Tung is the way to go for preservation and will look period correct and might even possibly BE the correct finish. As mentioned tung oil finishes from the box stores generally don't have any tung at all, except for Formby's, it actually does have a small amount. These are just wiping varnishes which are just thinned down varnishes. If doing multiple coats even the "low gloss" version of Formby's will leave a shine that will blind you in the sun, so not correct at all for mil-surp.

Pure tung does actually give some water resistance and it's flexible enough after curing when wood expands and contracts to remain continuous in the wood, where BLO is quite hard and severs and will let water in.

The chinese have been using tung on their junks for centuries...

 

[magna19]

I did a couple of stocks several years ago with BLO by the directions of a custom rifle stock maker up north. It came out great. I did not know much about pure tung oil then but after watching this video I will use it next time. https://www.canadianwoodworking.com/get-more/tung-oil-debunking-myths

 

[Gunbuffer]

Tung is the way to go for preservation and will look period correct and might even possibly BE the correct finish. As mentioned tung oil finishes from the box stores generally don't have any tung at all, except for Formby's, it actually does have a small amount. These are just wiping varnishes which are just thinned down varnishes. If doing multiple coats even the "low gloss" version of Formby's will leave a shine that will blind you in the sun, so not correct at all for mil-surp.

Pure tung does actually give some water resistance and it's flexible enough after curing when wood expands and contracts to remain continuous in the wood, where BLO is quite hard and severs and will let water in.

The chinese have been using tung on their junks for centuries...

Heh heh heh you know it

 

[ronny]

Those Chinese always were clever devils.

Back in the day, I spent a lot of time refinishing milsurp stocks. I spread a lot of tung oil in those days. For sure, tung oil, BLO or something in the same vein are proper ways to go, although lacquer is proper if you're into Mosins. However, if you're just trying to get a good, serviceable finish with the least amount of effort, tung oil finish is something to consider. A little Formby's on a paper towel is as easy as it gets. Keep in mind, if you go this route, you won't be considered a professional.