I have a new rifle in which the stock finish quickly began to “bubble”. It seems the sealer is separating from the stain. It started in two places but now there are “bubbles” in several different places on the stock. The manufacturer has agreed to look at the stock and will most likely replace it. The trouble is, I do not want a replacement stock, and the manufacturer will not guarantee that I will get back “my” stock. They won’t even hand pick a good-looking stock from their inventory for me. One reason I picked the particular rifle that I did was because of its nicely figured stock.

My question is how difficult is it to refinish the stock myself? Like I said, it’s brand new. No dents or scratches. I just need to remove the current finish and redo it. Trouble is, I don’t even know where to begin. What products do I need and how do I go about it? Can someone point me in the right direction?

Since you have a new rifle and have never done this before then I suggest you pay $50 to $100 and have it done by an expert...If you want to get into refinishing, do a few junkers first..there is a lot to learn. In fact, after 40 years I still learn things about refinishing.

Alpo---

I sent you some instructions and information, BUT FIRST, you need to figure out *why* the old finish bubbled up. It sounds like a chemical in the wood that's incompatible with the finish. In that case we have to figure out what the finish is and what's making it bubble.

Can you email pictures? What gun is it?