Just finished re-finishing my rifle stock using the Sitka Deer method Tru-oil over epoxy. I don't post here much, but thought I'd share this to say thanks for the advice.
Rifle is a Miroku M-Bolt in .270, with Leupold Vari-X II 2-7x33. For those who aren't familiar with the M-Bolt - it's basically a browning A-bolt with a butterknife bolt handle, different bolt shroud and different stock. They were only available for a few years, and I'm not sure that they were widely distributed. Mine weighs 7lb 10oz ready to go - including scope, sling and a full magazine. Fits like a glove, crisp 3lb trigger and nice and accurate.
The stock was showing the normal scratches and dings you see from a few years of hunting, so I decided it was a good opportunity for a refinish. I take good care of my rifles, but some scratches always seem inevitable.
I'm not going to reproduce Sitka's method here, because he's the expert and not me. But here's a couple of tips that I found useful:
> When sanding, using a block really is the way to go wherever possible.
> The checkering needs to be THOROUGHLY taped off. Even then, the border along the tape line will fill with epoxy and needs to be re-chased. Which I found wasn't easy, given that the epoxy is a lot harder than the surrounding wood...
> I've never quite got the hang of applying the Tru-oil with a lint-free rag, so I just use my fingers. After multiple coats, the finish tends to includes a few dust specks and a slightly ridged effect. I found the best way to cut the finish back to be perfectly smooth was wetsanding with 2000gr wet-and-dry paper on a flexible backing (after the finish has cured for several weeks). I then rubbed the stock down with 3F pumice, then rottenstone, and finally a coat of Briwax to finish.
And now, I'll be taking it straight back out hunting. Haven't got myself a stag yet this year, but there's still time...
Paul