1951 Western Field 87-SB87-TA refinishing project. (picture heavy)

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Catt57

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As the title says, we have here a 1951 Western Field 87-SB87-TA. This is a Montgomery Wards branded Savage 6A.

It is functional but extremely rough cosmetically. I will be refinishing the stock, polishing the barrel and reciever, and then rebluing them.

Here is how it begins.

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i.imgur.com_tHMCFiH.jpg


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Catt57

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The first step was to break it completely down. Removing everything from the sights to the trigger and lifter assemblies.

i.imgur.com_0MpMEvq.jpg


I started sanding the barrel with 120 grit sandpaper and discovered just how extensive the pitting was.

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Then continued with 220 grit, 320, 400, and finish with 600 grit to polish. A final polish with 0000 steel wool and this is how it looks.

i.imgur.com_hyGQPTh.jpg
 

Catt57

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Next step was to reblue the metal I had polished. It was impossible to completely polish out all of the pitting as it was very deep.

I forgot to take pictures until after I had reassembled everything.

i.imgur.com_pscR6SP.jpg


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i.imgur.com_Fb2iBGS.jpg
 

Catt57

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Thanks. Next was to do the stock. It was severely dinged up over its entire length.

i.imgur.com_tHMCFiH.jpg


i.imgur.com_QP5RxAj.jpg


This was so bad that I started sanding with 60 grit. As I took the finish off the damage became more apparent.

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A lot of elbow grease later and down to 120 grit, the wood grain really starts to shine as the dents and dings are sanded away.

i.imgur.com_oCdBVhz.jpg
 

Catt57

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Sanding on down to 220 grit the grain was so nice I decided on a stain color that would really highlight it so it got a nice reddish makeover.

i.imgur.com_E4HkI2A.jpg


i.imgur.com_6PSnGez.jpg


i.imgur.com_P6KHJY9.jpg


i.imgur.com_5oeGLEK.jpg
 

Catt57

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Next it was time to repaint the black tip on the fore end. After it dried I applied the first coat of varnish.

i.imgur.com_Of3vBFd.jpg


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Currently I am working on applying multiple coats of low gloss Tung oil varnish to give it a nice shine. This should take about 1-2 weeks. I will post the final results when it is finished.
 

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