Walnut is my favorite wood - especially on my firearms!
What works for me -
Ballistol is my go to for cleaning and maintenance -
unlike most other gun oils petroleum or silicone based it does not harm the walnut
However for long term storage there are better gun oils
Respecting a fine piece of walnut needs to address two objectives:
Preservative from use and the elements
Enhancement of grain, color and luster
Hand rubbing with Star Brite Teak Oil (white label only not golden) has provided the best preservation and protection whether to renew and refresh, or refinish gunstocks and maintain the original traditional look from factory.
To enhance and restore the satin shine on mine I buff with Renaissance Wax, ensuring to polish with light repeated coats to fill and seal the pores of the walnut without an excess build up.
Both are long lasting, undetectable from a factory finish and do not require the original finish be disturbed in any way.
They do require some elbow grease, but I have always enjoyed cleaning / maintaining my firearms and to be able to take them afield prepared for the harshest of conditions
Traditionalists will scoff but Renaissance Wax is commonly used by museum curators including the Cody Museum, I am told.
Your mileage may vary but both work for me
Last edited by moose95; 04/24/21.
