Which Oil is Best for M1 Garand Stock Refinishing?

by
posted on April 14, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
m1garand-oil.jpg
Linseed oil comes from pressed flax seeds grown in central Europe and Asia. The term “boiled” (as found in hardware stores) is a misnomer since boiled linseed oil includes added chemicals for faster drying than raw linseed oil.

Linseed oil is generally easier to apply than Tung oil which is non-toxic and creates a soft (rather than glossy) finish. While it is easy to touch-up, linseed oil provides no significant barrier against scratching or moisture as does varnish. With the exception of the first coat, sanding is unnecessary with boiled linseed oil.

Linseed oil is highly flammable and poses a fire risk with rags that can combust spontaneously through oxidation. Leave used linseed rags unfolded and flat in a well-ventilated area.
null
Linseed oil (left) is easier to apply than Tung oil. Both of these examples are available from www.Brownells.com.

Through experimentation, the author learned to let each coat stand for 40 minutes, followed by a “light mopping” to remove any standing, wet oil. While you don’t want to rub off all the oil, leaving the entire wet coat on the stock will require weeks to dry. (Yes I did, and now I know.) The “light mopping” method dried in a 70-degree room at 35 percent humidity within 48 hours and was ready for light buffing and the next coat.

Tung oil comes from the nuts and seeds of the Tung tree, which is primarily found in China. It usually takes four or five coats of Tung oil, sanded after each, to get a satin sheen. The surface will be rough and spotty until this point. That’s why you have to sand Tung oil to produce a shiny finish.

Unlike a hard varnish finish, these oils must be reapplied fairly often. For detailed application instructions and a kit for sale with either oil, see: www.garandgear.com/m1-garand-new-oil-finish.

Latest

CMP Buynow 1
CMP Buynow 1

CMP Streamlines Legacy M1 Garand Sales With Easy ‘Buy Now’ Feature

CMP’s new fixed-price “Buy Now” system makes it easier than ever to own a legacy, non-reclaimed M1 Garand rifle.

Watchtower Firearms, Demolition Ranch Team Up For Limited-Edition DEMOLITIA Blackout 1911

Watchtower Firearms releases limited-edition double-stack 1911 chambered in 9 mm designed with input from Demolition Ranch.

Federal Ammunition Honored With National 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award

Federal Ammunition receives 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award for over 40 years of support for youth programs.

New: Smith & Wesson M&P 15 AXE Rifles

Smith & Wesson launches the M&P 15 AXE lineup of suppressor-ready rifles with reduced gas blowback and modern features.

Review: Savage Arms Mark II & Winchester’s .21 Sharp

As demonstrated in the Savage Mark II FV-SR, Winchester’s .21 Sharp cartridge offers higher velocity and greater precision than .22 Long Rifle rounds.

Marsh Edges Stine In Canadian Showdown To Win Lapua Monarch Cup Opener

Justin Marsh edges Jake Stine by one point to win the Canadian NRA Smallbore Silhouette Nationals and first stage of the 2025 Lapua Monarch Cup.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.