Erma Gallager Stock Refinish?

[Bob Lintner]

I was wondering if anyone has refinished the stock on a Erma Gallager. Mine is NOS, but the stock looks very cheap. It's got a gloss finish and I was wondering if I should strip it and maybe stain and oil finish it. I can't tell what kind of wood the stock has. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Bob:confused:

[gemmer]

I was wondering if anyone has refinished the stock on a Erma Gallager. Mine is NOS, but the stock looks very cheap. It's got a gloss finish and I was wondering if I should strip it and maybe stain and oil finish it. I can't tell what kind of wood the stock has. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Bob:confused:

The wood specie(beech?) doesn't lend itself to a decent finish IMHO. I used a trick by ace muzzleloading rifle builder Mike Brooks to give mine an aged finish. A sprayed on coat of Rustoleum flat black rubbed back to the desired tone.

[nobade]

Will Beech respond to iron nitrate? If so that might be a way to darken it, then finish with boiled linseed oil. If not, aniline based leather dye like Fiebing's brand, will definitely work. I've used that on a number of white wood stocks. It will initially turn green, but don't worry. Just rub it back with an alcohol soaked rag until it looks like what you want.

[Bob Lintner]

Thanks for the info. I'll be giving it a try!
Bob

[Ben Nevlezer]

The wood specie(beech?) doesn't lend itself to a decent finish IMHO. I used a trick by ace muzzleloading rifle builder Mike Brooks to give mine an aged finish. A sprayed on coat of Rustoleum flat black rubbed back to the desired tone.
After the Rustoleum trick, were you able to get a good oil finish with linseed oil?
I'm working on a repro Colt stock which I believe is maple and cant get one side of the forend to darken up to match the rest of the stock and my patience is getting quite thin.

[Eggman]

Most interesting thread. Wonder if there's a way to get these guys to post some pictures.

[gemmer]

After the Rustoleum trick, were you able to get a good oil finish with linseed oil?
I'm working on a repro Colt stock which I believe is maple and cant get one side of the forend to darken up to match the rest of the stock and my patience is getting quite thin.
I didn't put a top coat over the paint. The paint went over the original finish. What were you using to stain your stock? You might want to try bone black to darken the wood. Google "using bone black pigment on a stock". Click on Jim Kibler's video. Note that the finish he uses with the pigment is an oil base varnish, not linseed oil. You'll get a much better finish with a quality oil base varnish.

[Bob Lintner]

I haven't started to do any work yet on the Erma stock. I was also thinking of using a water based stain, and then light coats of oil finish. I was told this awhile back by a stock maker. I can't ask him any more questions as he passed away. I can't post any photos as that is way past my ability, sorry Eggman.

[gemmer]

I haven't started to do any work yet on the Erma stock. I was also thinking of using a water based stain, and then light coats of oil finish. I was told this awhile back by a stock maker. I can't ask him any more questions as he passed away. I can't post any photos as that is way past my ability, sorry Eggman.

Off topic but, where do you live in North Jersey? We migrated from Hope in Warren County to the NC mountains in 2017.

[Bob Lintner]

Gemmer,
PM sent
Bob

[Eggman]

I can't post any photos as that is way past my ability, sorry Eggman.
Now Bob, and all you other reluctant picture non posters,
1) Click "Manage Attachments" down below.
2} A screen will pop up with all your pics and documents
3) Wander around in there until you see the batch you want (click on it) and then the picture you want - (click on it).
4)The box will hold that pic until you click "Attach" below.
5) Yer now ready to "submit reply."
Attached is a shot of the Roman baths in London. Notice they preferred green water.

[Bob Lintner]

Eggman,
I can take a photo with my flip phone. After that I'm lost.
Bob

[Eggman]

Well Bob I use a camera and download all the pics into my laptop. I use the phone to order pizza and as a door stop.

[Bob Lintner]

Well Bob I use a camera and download all the pics into my laptop. I use the phone to order pizza and as a door stop.

Eggman,
Camera broke and all I have is the flip phone. Glad I can shoot better than take photos.
Bob