Finishing a rifle stock

[Charlie L.]

I just purchased a rifle that is already stained, but there is nothing on top to protect it. What should I put on to protect the wood, but not be too slick when it gets wet.

[Frank]

There are several finishes you could use. I've built several black powder rifles and have always used boiled linseed oil. It's a little labor intensive, but well worth the effort. There is a trick to it though. First you LIBERALLY apply the oil once a day for a week. Just keep slopping it on and rubbing it down with your bear hand. After a week of these daily treatments, cut down on the amount of oil and hand rub on a coat of oil once a week for a month. After the first month, apply a new coat of oil once a month for a year. The more you rub, the higher the luster.

By the way, you can use the riflewhile the process is going on.