i received a pre 64 (1960 according to serial number) model 70 in 308, as said in another forum i need to refinish the stock, when i asked this i didn't think it was a pre 64 now i know it is, is true oil still a good stain?? what kind of protectant, polyurethane or?? also it needs some deep cleaning (which i am 5 hours into at the moment) but all metal parts are virtually rust free and the bluing is very very good, also what are some tricks to get into hard to reach places to clean?? i will try to post pictures when i finish and have the beauty back toether, not that im ever going to sell it (so dont ask) what approximately are these worth (i know we all arent registered appraisers but just a rought idea of what youve seen)

thanks

I like a good hand rubbed tung oil finish on my stocks

Aerosol cleaning products like GunScrubber do a good job of blasting crud out of nooks and crannies -- use them outdoors, though, as things can get a bit messy and the fumes will knock you out! Be aware, they remove ALL the oil and grease along with the dirt, so you'll need to re-lube when done. If you want to stay away from the spray cleaners, an old toothbrush and a supply of toothpicks will go a long way.

TruOil isn't a stain, although it imparts a very light honey-colored tone. It's a finish, and a good one. Easy to apply, dries fast, and you can use it to get any sort of finish from a "hand-rubbed oil" to a high-gloss.

Sounds like a nice rifle. I've got a Model 70 .243 pre 64 for sale.

I'm with jb on tung oil. If it is a nice piece of wood to begin with? It really brings "the character" of the grain out! That could be a bad thing with poor wood. Figured walnut loves the stuff!

Cheezywan

I've used Tru Oil a couple times now, and it's a nice product, and in comparison to another product I used, simpler. As pisgah stated, it isn't a stain, but will bring out whatever good color you have in the walnut. I'd recommend 10+ coats if you're going to be carrying it a lot. And, you don't want to fill in your checkering with it; tape off the checkering before applying the Tru Oil. You don't need any other coating besides the Tru Oil.

Midway USA sells various picks and probes to get gunk out of hiding places. If the gunk is really bad a good spraydown (after you remove the stock!) with one of the aerosols should do good, but stubborn buildup will still require picking out globs from action recesses. You'll want to check out the firing pin/spring, so let us know if you don't know how to remove that (very simple).

I haven't been following pre-'64 rifles lately, but quite a few years ago I spied a 308 in featherweight in good condition for $700. That was before USRAC quit making them.

Sounds like a nice rifle. I've got a Model 70 .243 pre 64 for sale.

i COLLECT MODEL 70, HOW MUCH ARE SELLING THE 243 FOR?