Rifle Mildew

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Originally Posted by Geoff Winnington-Ball

Phil, what I always did whenever I bought an old rifle was to dismount the stock(s), [in your case then sand off the mold/mildew], then strip off the old varnish/lacquer/whatever and sand, sand, sand. To strip use a good quality wood stripper, and what works well is a straight razor blade - just make sure you get it all off. After you're satisfied with the final finish (using successively lighter grades of sandpaper), it's time to pour on the linseed oil and rub it in by hand. You'll want to do a number of applications, rubbing it until you can feel the heat - this way the oil will soak well into the wood. You'll be amazed at the final finish! Do enough of it and it will keep out the nasties as well.

I've done quite a number of old rifles this way and it works... gives the old girls some dignity!

BTW, I'd also invest in a desiccant for your gun cabinet - you obviously have moisture in there.

Jiffy..I disagree!!
The quickest way to devalue a firearm is to remove the original finish..
The desiccant I agree with..Rubbing G-96 on it will remove the moisture..the mildew and restore the original patina..end of problem..
GADS!!! Sand paper..!!
Those were the gloves they issued officers when they signed up..trying to keep them from abusing and amusing them selves..!!
LOL..Gottcha..!!
See you and Sally at Bobbee's..
Here is some thoughts on refinishing firearms..

removing any patine from the firearm defiantly reduces value.
however a tear down to clean all the old oil and any build up from years of sitting
wont drop value.i too have an old valuable rifle and had it cleaned but did not remove patina
and it retained its value.

i cant stress enough how important it is to leave things alone till you
take it to a professional who knows what he/she is doing and take their
advice.
removing any patine from the firearm defiantly reduces value.
however a tear down to clean all the old oil and any build up from years of sitting
wont drop value.i too have an old valuable rifle and had it cleaned but did not remove patina
and it retained its value.

I cant stress enough how important it is to leave things alone till you
take it to a professional who knows what he/she is doing and take their
advice.
Check this out..

One thing to remember that if these guns are old enough or have any original collector value at all, is not to try to strip them down and refinish them. You might end up with a nice looking gun, but it's value would be way down. You could ruin a valuable collector gun.