GEW 88 Wood Preservation: Anvil 117

Published on December 3, 2022
Duration: 21:33

This guide details the expert preservation of a GEW 88 rifle stock, led by Mark Novak. It covers initial cleaning with soap and water, careful drying with heat and air, steaming out dents using a Monokote iron, and finishing with Danish oil. Novak emphasizes respecting historical markings and avoiding over-finishing, drawing on historical manufacturing data.

Quick Summary

Expert preservation of a GEW 88 rifle stock involves careful cleaning with mild soap, immediate drying with heat and air, and steaming out dents using a Monokote iron. Mark Novak stresses identifying historical cartouches and applying a single coat of Danish oil to maintain the original military finish, avoiding over-sanding.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Initial Cleaning
  2. 04:42Drying and Moisture Removal
  3. 06:53Steaming Out Dents
  4. 12:11Identifying Cartouches
  5. 13:40Surface Finishing and Oiling
  6. 15:30Historical Context of Military Finishes
  7. 16:27Range Testing and Bore Discussion

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean a GEW 88 rifle stock without damaging its original finish?

Start outdoors with Dawn dish soap and a rag, avoiding steel wool to prevent abrasion. Rinse thoroughly and immediately dry with a heat gun and air nozzle to prevent moisture damage. This method is effective on stocks with original finishes, not urethane coatings.

What is the best method for removing dents from a GEW 88 rifle stock?

Use a wet cotton rag and a Monokote iron. The steam generated will help the wood fibers expand and pop the dent out. This technique is effective for compression dents but won't repair physically removed wood or torn fibers.

Should I steam over military inspector marks on a GEW 88 stock?

Absolutely not. Military inspector marks (cartouches) are historical evidence. Steaming them will destroy their value. It's crucial to identify and map these marks before any steaming process to avoid them.

What is the correct way to oil a GEW 88 rifle stock after preservation?

Apply a single coat of dark Danish oil with a chip brush to nourish the wood. The goal is to maintain the open-pore look of a military rifle, not a high-gloss commercial finish, respecting historical manufacturing simplicity.

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