I have a 20 plus yr old Ruger #1 due for a stock refinishing. I would like to keep it accordidng to specs. Anyone know what type of finish Ruger used 20 yrs ago on the #1's?

Wild Shooter: No one seems to be jumping all over your question do they? As a guess after working on a number of them the factory finish is probably one of the various urethanes that are available to manufacturers. From the texture I assume they either spray it or other process other than hand application. The finish they use is quite hard almost like an automotive clear coat as I've found automotive rubbing compounds most effective in smoothing and leveling the factory finish rather than the compounds I use on contemporary urethane/oil finishes.

If you get some Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane in a gloss or satin finish you should be able to work either to a close approximation of the original. You may find it necessary to use a water or alcohol based stain prior to applying the Helmsman to get the original color tones throughout the wood.

Thin a portion of the Helmsman with about 30% mineral spirits for the first several coats to improve penetration. Once you have the grain and pores well filled wet sand to the wood surface with 600 grit, wipe and allow to dry thoroughly and then apply several coats of full solution urethane , wet sanding lightly between coats with 1500 grit. When you are satisfied that all the grain runs are filled to the same surface as the rest of the wood you can either leave it, modify it by using rubbing compounds or sand it again lightly with the 1500 and then overfinish with several coats of Tru Oil or similar product. Again, you can modify the luster by using rottenstone or other fine abrasive rubbing compounds. The urethane alone well applied is a serviceable and attractive finish. The oil overfinish is icing on the cake more or less but it is easy to do spot repairs of minor scratches if you apply it. I apply both the urethane and oil finishes using patches of a lint free mechanics paper towel. Just few drops on the patch and you can spread an even coat of finish without streaks or thick spots. Applications should be thin and even to avoid runs and sags. Good luck with it.

I have an early No. 1 that had to have the stock refinished. I did it with G-B Linspeed, and it looks about like it did when it was new....

Thank you gentleman, I knew if I hung around long enough someone with some #1 savy would respond.