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In the 1970's and 80's Winchester used some sort of reddish lacquer for their stocks, see example below. Does anyone here know how to reproduce this factory finish?
I feel certain the formula for the finish you want is contained in Howe's "the Modern Gunsmith". Frankly just about everything you need to know about anything applicable to a firearm design existing pre WW2 is probably covered in here.
The Winchester tone/color can be reproduced via mixing stains...……………………………
I use 75% Black Walnut + 25% Red Mahogany Minwax stains (which mixture passed muster with several different Winchester collectors) - although, if you want to experiment, two different brown stains can be mixed with any of the three other red stains to reach the desired color.
I experimented by staining 3" wide sections of a 3/4"x3"x36" walnut board, I bought at a hobby shop, with the various different stain mixtures for a side-by-side comparison.
Used to be a couple guys in Idaho who sold Tapadera's Winchester Red finish, and it was perfect! It could be used directly on the wood, but also diluted into your finish. I found it too concentrated as is, and put a few drops into my Wipe On Poly to get the correct red tone.
Unfortunately I ran out, and when I tried to order more a year ago I could no longer find their web site. Seems maybe they passed away, and nobody took up the torch.
The Winchester tone/color can be reproduced via mixing stains...……………………………
I use 75% Black Walnut + 25% Red Mahogany Minwax stains (which mixture passed muster with several different Winchester collectors) - although, if you want to experiment, two different brown stains can be mixed with any of the three other red stains to reach the desired color.
I experimented by staining 3" wide sections of a 3/4"x3"x36" walnut board, I bought at a hobby shop, with the various different stain mixtures for a side-by-side comparison.
This is exactly what I used on my Trail’s End rifle when I had to refinish the stock after correcting for the recessed tang at the top of the wrist. Worked perfectly.