Chic, Bill and the rest of you stock experts out there, I could use a little help.

I have a near new HK 300 rifle I need to sell. The rifle has been fired maybe 50 times. It is near NIB, but it picked up a couple of abrasion jostling around in my safe.

Before I start trying to clean up these handling marks, I need to make sure I can duplicate the original HK finish. As you all know, the HK factory sporter finish is fairly dark and in addition to a stain, seems also to impart a semi gloss varnish or finish of sorts onto the wood. Any idea what HK used to finish the stocks on their sporter rifles, or what American product I ought use to duplicate their finish?

Thanks,

Jordan

Sorry, I don't know what that stuff is on an H-K walnut stock. I refinished one once, first stripping off the factory finish, and it was almost a paint! At least, it was a thick, heavily stain-filled varnish which was the very devil to get off using paint stripper. The actual wood was considerably lighter in color, even with five coats of handrubbed oil on it. The original finish had to be removed just to see the finer grain pattern of the wood!

Nice wood, too. It was a real shame to hide it under that factory crap H-K uses.....

Jordan,

I've never even held an HK in my hands so I cannot speak intelligently on the type of stock finish they use. Your best bet would be to contact HK and explain the situation. They might be willing to give some advice repairing their finish.

Most european and asian firearms,that have stains on there wood will instill the stains in the finish,not the wood,and its almost impossible to replicate. As for clear finishes,there are so many types,and some types will react with others. I,m sure HK factory would not tell you what they use. I don,t know. Good luck and hope you find out.

I agree with El D and van, the thick stain is not going to be easy to match. IMO, the choice is a complete strip and refinish, or let it be.