Does anyone know what stock finish Savage would have used on a model 99C back in 1965? I recently acquired this nice rifle and would like to really spruce up the stock. It has one deep scratch and a few lesser ones; plus the wood pores are showing. I'd like to get it to an overall eggshell finish but before I start to buff out some of the scratches I would like to know if I'l wind up with ligth spots when I go over them with wharever I use for a final filler and finish (Tru-Oil, maybe?). The wood appears to be walnut (stained, maybe?).
Thanks for any experienced insight you can contribute.

Varnish originally, but if you're looking for a non-shiny finish, just go over it with 400g and apply tung oil.

Wrong.....not Varnish. The standard finish in 1965 was lacquer that as sprayed on.

I'd say a spray finish too. I've seen some stocks that have imperfections in the finish that look just like what you get when applying a spray on product.

Thanks for the correction John. This from the authority, so there you go, lacquer it is.

I don't know what they used, and some might disagree with me, but try some tung oil if you are going to refinish. It makes for a nice thin finish with a little gloss. Looks pretty close to the oil finish of old.

I removed old finish with a razor blade then applied Formsby's finish remover. Sanded with 150,400 then 800gr paper..on final sanding I wet the wood with luke warm water raising grain then used the 800. Used Formsby's low gloss tung oil applying about 5 coats with my fingers.. be sure to avoid getting bubbles in the oil before you apply. [img]http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/g...1557_zps46cd2862.jpg.html?sort=3&o=3[/img] [img]http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/g...7131_zps34fbfeb5.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0[/img] [img]http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/g...1571_zps80072198.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1[/img] [img]http://s1337.photobucket.com/user/g...1570_zpsff108ae2.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2[/img]

VERY NICE.
STeve

So John. Is the difference between lackher and lickher the same as the difference between manlicker and ladylicker!!!!!!!!!!!!

LBK,you in the rum again !!!!! i hear roofing will do that to ya !!!!!!

No. Just a private joke between JTC and me.

Thanks everyone for your quick responses. Given some past experiences I don't think I want to try to "touch up" a lacquer finish. I'll probably just wait until I can strip the entire stock and do the whole thing; good winter project.

Lightfoot thanx for opening those for me..little green posting pics!

Looks very good. Nice finish.