I have a new Ruger Hawkeye in 35 Whelen that I am finishing up - pillars, epoxy bedding, and new recoil pad.

But the finish they used is hideous and hides the grain.

I thought of refinishing it, but given the stock is not as "thick" as an old Ruger RSM that I refinished years ago, I can't really sand down past the checkering without really making the stock thin.

I know the factory checkering is mechanical, but if I strip the checkering chemically, does it look good when refinished with oil, etc? If not, is it even feasible to recut the checkering.

Here is the RSM I refinished - hand rubbed oil and then new checkering. https://photos.app.goo.gl/lZEtKD8T7eduPEJn1


Thanks!

most factory checkering these days is pressed, not cut.. and the appearance generally improves with recutting at the same LPI

Only if you intend to keep it..In a year it will be worth two or three time what you paid for it as a collector..if changed it will be worth about $500 to $800 is my guess based on past past specials.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffeosso:
most factory checkering these days is pressed, not cut.. and the appearance generally improves with recutting at the same LPI

What's "dump trump" got to do with checkering

HAVITCHURWAY..

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
Only if you intend to keep it..In a year it will be worth two or three time what you paid for it as a collector..if changed it will be worth about $500 to $800 is my guess based on past past specials.

I buy to use and shoot. I have "ONE" unfired, NIB rifle. Winchester Model 94 Centennial made in 1966. I was born in 1966. If I make 100, I will shoot on my birthday and go hunting with it.

There is usually a reason an obscuring finish was used. Most often it is poor grain and off colors. If you remove it, there may be a nasty surprise underneath.

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
Only if you intend to keep it..In a year it will be worth two or three time what you paid for it as a collector..if changed it will be worth about $500 to $800 is my guess based on past past specials.

So you now have a crystal ball and can predict the future?

quote:

Originally posted by rcraig:

quote:

Originally posted by Atkinson:
Only if you intend to keep it..In a year it will be worth two or three time what you paid for it as a collector..if changed it will be worth about $500 to $800 is my guess based on past past specials.

So you now have a crystal ball and can predict the future?

Ray has brought and sold more rifles than one normal person could think off.

I been buying rifles and sold a few for over 55 years.

I agree with Ray.

quote:

Ray has brought and sold more rifles than one normal person could think off.

Do you ever proof read anything you put out

quote:

Do you ever proof read anything you put out

Hardly ever.

Type away and post.

If you want to be my editor I 'll well gladly send them to you first.

N o crystal ball, just experience and I,ll bet you a hundred dollar bill Im right on this one!! and like P dog I dont bother grading posts, a waste of time as long as one can read! and "figger!"