M1 Garand

[504PIR]

Gents

As I grew up on the Black Rifle and its varations, I have a question. What is the oil that was used to rub into the wooden stocks?

I have a M1 that I traded for at a gunshow and an older gentalman told me I "should rub oil into the wood to get the wood to shine, like we used to do in the barracks".

[The Reaper]

Originally Posted by 504PIR

Gents

As I grew up on the Black Rifle and its varations, I have a question. What is the oil that was used to rub into the wooden stocks?

I have a M1 that I traded for at a gunshow and an older gentalman told me I "should rub oil into the wood to get the wood to shine, like we used to do in the barracks".

Linseed.

TR

[bravo22b]

Not speaking as an expert on taking care of historic firearms, but as a woodworker, do some research on linseed oil before using it. Raw linseed oil is a major PITA. Boiled linseed oil is easier to use, but is still a very labor intensive finish. Linseed oil has some inherent drawbacks, and it's good to know what they are before starting.

Finally, as a safety note - if using boiled linseed oil or any other modified oil finish, make sure to dispose of the used rags carefully. They are a major source of spontaneous combustion fires. They should be spread out to dry carefully, or otherwise disposed of properly. DO NOT leave them bunched up in a trash can or anywhere else.

[504PIR]

Thanks Gentalmen!

[lonewolf726]

I may be mistaken, but I believe the original finish for the wood stocks was tung oil.

[Sdiver]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Linseed.

TR

Originally Posted by lonewolf726

I may be mistaken, but I believe the original finish for the wood stocks was tung oil.

Lonewolf,

Looks like BOTH were used.

http://www.fulton-armory.com/StockSave.htm

The M1 Rifle was originally manufactured with one of two finishes: linseed oil or China/Tung oil. Towards the end of WWII the linseed oil was supplanted by Tung Oil, a finish which was used, I believe, during '50's production. Refinished stocks were, however, generally refinished with linseed oil.

In all cases the finished stock was simply dipped in a tank of linseed or Tung oil for a few minutes and then allowed to drain dry.

[lonewolf726]

Just goes to show that I still learn something new every day.

[Sdiver]

Was directed to a FB page for M-1 Garand enthusiasts and finally got around to take a few pictures of my latest prize.

I had to sell my old Garand, the one seen in post #42 of this thread, and yes, there was a women involved ... but picked this one up about a year ago.

Picked this baby up from a fella, who I don't think knew exactly what he had. I found him at a gun show here in Denver, CO, where he had this marked for $975.00. I talked him down to $900.00 but said I couldn't pay for another couple of weeks. I told him if he gets an offer before then to take it, if not, I'd pick it up in a fortnight.

Well, two weeks go by and we start trading emails on if he sold it (he didn't) and when can I come by and pick it up. Come to find out, he runs one of the many antique stores on S. Broadway (if you're familiar with Denver, you know where I'm referring to) and he said we agreed on the price of $800.00. Who am I to argue ...

After I get the paperwork and background check squared away, I walk out with this prize.

Doing research, the mark on the inside of the bag shows that this was used by the British SAS during WWII. There is also an overseas stamp on the barrel, right behind the front sight, showing that it was indeed overseas (sorry, the pics didn't turn out that good ... but it IS there) .... Just editing this up ... posting this over on the FB page, I was told that, that mark inside the bag (picture #3 below) isn't an SAS mark. It's the mark of the "British Manufacturing Company (M.F.Co.) with the year stamp of when it was made (1942) and the far right stamp is the broad arrow mark indicating British army property. Which as I was told "... is the broad arrow mark is the oldest known military property mark that I know of, over 200 years now."

Also, the overseas stamp shows EXEL/GARDNER. MA. Which is the import company Excel Arms in Gardner, Mass.

You can also see the circle P cartouche on the had grip. Thankfully, it hasn't worn out too bad.

ALL the parts are Springfield and show hardly any sign of wear and tear.

Have taken it to several ranges and it shoots like a DREAM. It certainly is a show stopper on the range when that distinctive KA-POWWW barks out its barrel.

Now this may not be a "Holy Grail" of M-1s, but I'm sure it belongs in the China cabinet next to them.

Lemon or orange oil works better than the heavier linseed and tung oils.

[mojaveman]

Whenever buying a Garand take a very good look at them first. When I was a kid in the 9th ID at Lewis I bought a decent looking one from a pawnshop in Tacoma. One day at a shooting range an older Veteran asked me about it and asked me if he could show me something. We took the trigger group off and removed the action/barrel from the stock. Looking at the receiver from the bottom you could see that it had once been cut and then re-welded. It still functioned perfectly but I was a little disappointed after learning that. I kept it for a few more years and after I left the military I sold it to someone else who didn't know about 'cut' M-1 Garands.