Stock Restoration Question?

[JorgeSKS]

The last few Cosmoline drenched stocks that I have cleaned have ended up being refinished.  I would like to keep this recent SKS purchase in an as "As Issued" condition as possible.  I am happy with the results but find that the areas where the Shellac has worn off look too dry, see picture below, and would like to seal it with something that will protect the wood.  I have Linseed Oil, Tung oil, and Minwax Polyurethane Clear Semi Gloss that I can use.  How should I go about sealing the areas with no Shellac? I was thinking of applying a very thing film of any that I listed to the entire stock but not sure which to choose.

Thoughts? Thanks - Geo/Jorge

[Greasemonkey]

Just my opinion..... you want to keep it "as issued" then leave it, as it is, keep clean and wiped off, and enjoy it as is. Shellac soaks in to the wood, you probably cant see it, but there is some there.  And..that one is not that bad, actually..


You go slathering stuff on it...it's no longer "as issued"... it becomes.... bubba 

[Phosphorus32]

^ this 

It's original until you futz with it...then it's not original

[astronut]

All of the above responses are good advice.  Dont mess with it if you want to keep it original!

[JorgeSKS]

Thanks guys.  It will be left alone.   

[firstchoice]

Good advice! I had the same dilema with my Albanian SKS. The shellac flakes off on those stocks pretty bad. I wanted to make it look better and make it stop looking so D-R-Y!  But anything you do changes it from the "as-issued" condition and reduces your collector value. Ultimately, I left it alone. It's best to leave it as it is. After all, that's the condition it was in when removed from service. Cool old rifle!

firstchoice

[JorgeSKS]

Thanks guys, solid advise, much appreciated.  I will leave it alone.