Boiled Linseed Oil Stock Maintenance

[Gun-nut]

Hi all, I have recently acquired a new 303 whose stock could benefit from a few coats of oil. I've seen boiled linseed oil recommended and was wondering if there were any brands that anyone would recommend over others? I see people generally favour types with little to no added solvents. All I could find near me was the diggers pale boiled linseed oil from bunnings.

Whilst on topic, is it recommended to completely strip the rifle for each application of BLO or is it acceptable to apply while the rifle is assembled? As it stands, the bedding on this 303 is excellent and I would prefer not to mess with this disassembly if it can be avoided.

Cheers for all your help!

[bigpete]

I used to use diggers on my old grundmann without taking it apart

[Tinker]

"Boiled" linseed oil isn't actually boiled. It is raw linseed oil with additives ("drying" agents) which speed up the process of oil polymerisation and hardening. You can use raw linseed oil, it just takes longer to harden. If you really want one without any additives, use flaxseed oil from the health food shop.
There's probably no difference in brands. I dilute mine 50:50 with gum turpentine (not mineral turpentine) which assists it to penetrate into the wood.
You certainly don't need to strip the rifle to apply the oil, just apply a few light coats and repeat every few months or so. I give mine a light wipe-over every 3-6 months. You'll potentially damage the draws and the fit of the timber each time you strip a 303 fully, so best kept to an absolute minimum..

[str8shutr]

If you're after "pure" BLO, Allbäck from Sweden offer a product that has no additives like the standard brands on offer from major retailers like Hammer Barn.

I got some of their gear from a local supplier in Sydney. Their published MSDS claims 100% linseed oil. Check the alternatives and you'll often find that various organic solvents are added.

[No1Mk3]

British & Commonwealth manufacturers & Armies used Raw Linseed Oil. Instructions to Amourers directed them to wipe down woodwork with a RLO moistened cloth. If you really want to use BLO be wary of most modern oils as they are not true heated oil but contain chemical polymers and drying agents, chack the labels or MDS for these products or buy Stand Oil, a true BLO. You can also get refined oil from many artists supplies.

[No1Mk3]

PS: Armourers did not disassemble rifles for basic timber maintenance but were careful not to get much oil on the metalwork.

[Faedy]

Best stuff I've used is from an old recipe I was given years ago.
Equal parts
Bees wax
Pale boiled linseed oil
Gum terpentine
Melt bees wax, mix all together and put in a jar.
Will last you for years