AK-74 Stock Refinish

[Exspiravit]

It's darn slow in the commie section, so I'm going to show you something neat.

From time to time APEX will run thier Bulgarian '74 stock sets cheap. I've been meaning to snag one but just haven't got around to it, so when they put them on sale this time I ordered one.

The set I got has a beat up pistol grip, but the thick brown paint has done it's job, and the wood has no gouges, cracks, splits, or other problems other than the sling loop is missing. I'm taking it slow with this set, still not sure what sort of finish I want on it, but check out what a little Citristrip does:

If you don't know, Citristrip is quite possibly the most useful goop since cosmoline. And as much as I love the smell of cosmoline, Citristrip smells better too.

Like I said, I'm taking it slow, but I'll update this thread as things progress.

 

[IUHoosier429]

Good stuff, thanks for sharing. I've not used Citristrip before but I'll remember to look for it at the store.

Looking forward to your updates. And agreed ... it's often crickets around here unfortunately.

 

[Exspiravit]

It's good stuff. And not a harsh chemical like a lot of strippers are. I generally use a toothbrush with it and it has taken off everything I've tried it on.

Just make sure and wash whatever you are using it one really well and get it all off. Here's after that, drying by the woodstove.

Here's after drying. I'm a little bummed out that the handguards and stock are two different woods. C'est la vie.

 

[IUHoosier429]

Wow, worked like a charm. Any idea(s) yet on what you'll be using for your finish? Also, what's this going on when it's done?

 

[Exspiravit]

I have a couple stains I'm thinking about. Cabernet and the Minwax "Gun Stock" would both look good on this. I'm going to use a satin polycoat- I don't want that super glossy look all the cool kids do.

If everything goes according to plan, I'm going to put this on an M10 I just picked up. Gotta get rid of that tacky quad rail and Tapco accoutrements.

 

[IUHoosier429]

I'm going to put this on an M10 I just picked up.

The one from here? Nice score if so!

 

[Exspiravit]

Minwax Gunstock. First coat.

The one from here? Nice score if so!

That's the one.

 

[Exspiravit]

Now it's time for clear coat and curing by the wood stove.

 

[Chdamn]

A little wood die before your clear would have uniformed the color.

 

[Exspiravit]

Too late now! The wheels of progress and impatience drive me onward!

 

[Exspiravit]

Turned out pretty nice.

 

[Exspiravit]

 

[Lafayette Gregory]

Man that sure looks nice.

 

[molonlabe]

Good clean look to the work...well done.