Caring for M1A wooden stock

[Astout1]

I searched for this and was. Surprised no threads turned up. What’s the best way to preserve a walnut stock in my M1A? Currently going back and forth between linseed oil and tung oil. Thoughts? Other suggestions?

 

[Keystone19250]

I searched for this and was. Surprised no threads turned up. What’s the best way to preserve a walnut stock in my M1A? Currently going back and forth between linseed oil and tung oil. Thoughts? Other suggestions?

Wood stocks are manufactured with no more than a moisture content of 8%
Optimum would be between 4-6% this ensures that during the machining of both the outside profile and the action cuts they don’t end up with cracking or warpage.
That being said now you need to maintain the stock, both linseed and tung oil’s are ok but more importantly is to find a middle ground on how much you use and how often. It is important to note that walnut is a more oily wood then birch or beach wood so what you want to focus on is using enough to keep the surface of the wood from drying out and splintering as well as “sealing” the stock from drying out on the inside which would promote cracking. It’s also important to note that most stocks are machined in a way to limit stressors in the action cuts but when you are maintaining your stock don’t be afraid to pull the action and apply your oil of choice to those areas.
Overall keep this in mind, don’t over do it, a little goes a long way.