I just got some pictures of my Browning 1885 Low Wall project back from Delta Gun Shop/Clearwater re-boring.

It started life as a .22 hornet. I had it re-bored and re-chambered to 32-20. I have a pistol being built by Hamilton Bowen in 32-20 (with color case hardened receiver) and wanted a companion rifle. I had looked at the Marlin and Winchester lever actions but didn’t want to chase brass all over the desert or hunt for them in the snow, so I thought about a single shot. I found the Browning and contacted Allen Baker at Clearwater and he gave me an estimate. The receiver and under lever have been color case hardened by Doug Turnbull (thanks for the fantastic work Doug) and the gold color and the serrations on the trigger have been removed and a spray and bake finish have been applied. Sights are going to be installed as I don’t want to put a scope on it. I am going to remove the high gloss finish on the stock and apply a hand rubbed oil finish then I might apply a matte finish over that to reduce scratches (I am open to suggestions on the finish).

Two before pictures of the action and two after color case work by Doug Turnbull.

I will keep posting pictures and info as I get it.

Looks nice, keep the pics coming.
Butch

Really really nice. So nice in fact that if it were mine I would probably scrap that Browning wood and put on some nicer wood with a few custom touches to it.

Still considering it.

I got to looking at the stock. I think it is a rather nice one. Opinions welcome.

I have a question, what should I use to strip the old finish off?? I have used a gel stripper before but can’t remember the product name. I also have a Remington laminate stock I want to strip and refinish, any recommendations as to what to use. I want a darker finish, will Tung oil work okay or is there something better??

Formbys stripper works just fine. I wrap the stock in alum foil to keep the stripper from evaporating, let it sit for 1/2 hr. Really loosens up the stuff. I used Pilkingtons pre-64 red-brown (Brownells) on a Savage laminated tan stock, and it came out like striped rosewood. After staining, I spray canned a Satin Poly Minwax, like 5 coats, and rubbing with 0000 steel wool. Wax it, and it looks like a hand rubbed oil, but waterproof. Waterlox tung oil is also good, just wipe on thin coats once a day for 5-6 days, then 0000 rub and wax.

nice case colors there!!!!!!!!!... i like a satin finish, no gloss as far as the wood goes... looks like there is some nice grain there, too...