Strip and Refinish the Woodwork. Winchester Model 88

Refinishing the gunstock on an early Winchester Model 88 Lever Action rifle. The orginal finish is peeling from the wood and the owner asked if I could strip and refinish the walnut wood gunstock to eliminate the the old finish and add a newer more secure finish.
Link to my other channel Rust too Resurrection: / @rusttooresurrection813

[@WileysShenanigans]

Bill, I have a model 88 circa 1957 that I bought 5 years ago at an estate sale. The finish is emaculent as was still in the box wrapped in newspaper from 1957 as well. Its really a sweet lever gun.

[@SixRoundsStudio]

Very cool! So does the rifle appear as though it might not have been used or taken out in the woods?

[@WileysShenanigans]

@@SixRoundsStudio its been handled and used but very well taken care of. Only a couple of very minor blemishes that you have to really look for in order to see them. The only thing I've done to it was added a vintage era scope to it. They're really terrific rifles.

[@SixRoundsStudio]

@@WileysShenanigansThanks for the response wiley. Trying to understand if the peeling finish is a "thing" with these old rifles. Appreciate the info!

[@jimmeroniuk8266]

Finally a firearm that I own :)

[@SixRoundsStudio]

Perfect 😉 Now...how is the finish on your gunstock?

[@jimmeroniuk8266]

15 hrs away from it and its been awhile since I used it. Sorry can't help you there Bill. Thanks for the tip on the Ruger Carbine

[@mt6tools]

I have one that dates to 1971 with the pressed checkering. There's some scuffs but no peeling.

[@SixRoundsStudio]

Thank you for the feedback mt6. The pressed checkering is the second generation of these guns. Maybe Winchester recognized the peeling as a problem? Don't know.

[@leeslaughter2659]

I have one 1955 308 model 88, it was mint when i got it I think your seeing a used gun someone coated with linseed oil

[@SixRoundsStudio]

Maybe. I have seen several come in with the same condition.

[@alsteadgunshop8554]

I have handled many of these over the years and found that the peeling of finish is largely due to weather exposure and lack of maintenance. Often owners will clean and oil the steel and ignore treating the wood from the elements.

[@SixRoundsStudio]

Hmmmm.... good info Tom

[@jasonsimone3523]

I have one in 358Winchester made in 1959 and it has a few places where the finish is flaking off.

[@SixRoundsStudio]

Thank you for the comment and information Jason. Seems this might be typical of the finish Winchester used at that time.