How to Refinish High Gloss Browning Stock

Browning manufactures a variety of firearms including rifles, pistols and shotguns. Many of Browning's rifles and shotguns have wooden stocks incorporated, some with a high-gloss finish. Over time, a gunstock can become worn, acquire dings and scratches and the luster and beauty of the stock will fade. When this happens, refinishing the stock is necessary. In order to refinish a high-gloss stock, you must first remove the existing finish, smooth out the stock and apply the new finish.

Things You'll Need

  • Rubber gloves
  • 2 part epoxy finish stripper
  • Toothbrush
  • Iron
  • Towel
  • Sandpaper (medium 220-grit sandpaper up to 400-grit sandpaper)
  • Stain (of your choice)
  • High-gloss wood finish
  • Buffing compound
  • Buffing wheel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unload the weapon completely. Visually inspect the weapon to ensure no live ammunition is present.

    • 2

      Disassemble the weapon. Remove the stock. As all Browning models vary widely in disassembly procedures; consult your owner's manual for specifics.

    • 3

      Put on rubber gloves. Apply a two-part epoxy finish stripper to the stock. These types of strippers are designed to eat through a hardened, high-gloss finish. Work the stripper into all corners and nooks of the stock. If your Browning stock has checkering, use a toothbrush to work the stripper into the checkering. As all finish strippers vary in use, consult the manufacturer's instructions for application procedures.

    • 4

      Wipe away all stripped material and excess residue. Lightly rinse the stock and dry it off thoroughly. Dampen a towel and lay it over the stock.

    • 5

      Press an iron onto the towel to remove any dents or dings on the stock. Flip the stock over, replace the towel and repeat for the other side. Dry the stock off thoroughly.

    • 6

      Sand the stock to a smooth finish. Use medium 220-grit sandpaper and sand the full area of the stock. Gradually work up to fine 400+ grit sandpaper until your stock is as smooth as you like it to be. Wipe away any wood dust from the stock. Ensure the stock is completely free from debris after sanding.

    • 7

      Select the stain color you want to apply. Apply the stain following the stain manufacturer's instructions as all stain products vary in application. Apply a second coat for a richer color.

    • 8

      Apply the high-gloss finish. As all finishes vary in application, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, one coat is rubbed on then allowed to harden for a few days. After a few days the finish is lightly sanded then a second coat is applied and lightly sanded again after a few days.

    • 9

      Apply buffing compound to the stock. Buff the stock using a buffing wheel until you achieve a shiny finish. Reassemble your weapon and enjoy your new stock.