Henry Rifle Forums

I picked up a “lightly used” .44 BBSC about two months ago. It was an ok deal, but not spectacular. The gun has had more use than was implied, and it’s prev owner was a bit rough with it. I finally got tired of looking at the mashed checkering and chunked recoil pad, and ordered a replacement stick set from Henry. I installed them today and it looks almost brand new again. I also added a Skinner Express rear and Patridge front sight. Exact same set up as my .357 Magnum. They could be twins.

The question of the day, is what to do with the old stock set. I’m contemplating stripping the finish, trying to refresh the checkering, and then doing a linseed and Tru oil finish, with a new sand to fit recoil pad. Thoughts?

Pics below of the old and new stock set, along with closer shots of damage.

What do you have to lose by refinishing? Time and a little investment!

any kids coming up in the family that might enjoy firing it if you cut the stock down to youth size

Don’t understand how a rifle gets that ‘used’! I guess if you just throw it in the back of the truck...

Good decision on the new wood. I agree with Jim, the old wood will make it easier for a new shooter. Less stress, lol.

Since you seem inclined to fix it, do what you suggested and sell it as a refurbished stock here or on Gun Broker, at say 60% of MSRP.

John Davies
Spokane WA

Cofisher wrote: ↑

Sat May 22, 2021 6:33 pm

Don’t understand how a rifle gets that ‘used’! I guess if you just throw it in the back of the truck...

Good decision on the new wood. I agree with Jim, the old wood will make it easier for a new shooter. Less stress, lol.

It could have rode around in the truck, or may have been hunted with.
There could be several reasons for the dings.
It's a tool and some use it as so.
I have a few older rifles with a ding or two.
Some by me and most by previous owners.

RP

Vaquero wrote: ↑

Sat May 22, 2021 8:20 pm

It's a tool and some use it as so.
I have a few older rifles with a ding or two.
Some by me and most by previous owners.

RP

Yup, I have lots of old rifles that have tons of character and dings, and I’m fine with that. This however, is NOT an old rifle and was bought under the understanding that it was “as new”, which it clearly wasn’t. I hunt the crap out my .30-30 and .357 in the VERY tough ground that is the Pacific Coast, and neither one has any marks like this gun did. I looked at just replacing the recoil pad, but it was 75% the cost of the new stock set and would never be right.

I’m giving serious thought to stripping the factory finish and doing the natural finish like I did on my SGC. Nothing to lose at this point. The checkering I’m not sure on, but hoping I can clean it up and “sharpen” it back up with my woodworking skills.

My SGC and 1911 model year Winchester 1894:

Red, I stripped the stocks on my H001 and tru oiled them. I think they look better than the original.
But we all know what they say about opinions.

RP

Does the Tru oil maintain a gloss? I love linseed, but it doesn’t keep a ton of shine. Maybe it would if I did a few more coats? I’ve heard great things about Tru oil though.

Tru Oil will be very glossy. I have a 10/22 stock that's too glossy, put about 7 coats(hand rubbed) on it.

If you hunt with the rifle. I would take the old stock cut length of pull down to about 12.5" and take the checking off. Resand the stock and recoil pad and make it my winter thick coat stock. It would be easier to shoulder with a coat on.

jstanfield103 wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 29, 2021 4:49 am

If you hunt with the rifle. I would take the old stock cut length of pull down to about 12.5" and take the checking off. Resand the stock and recoil pad and make it my winter thick coat stock. It would be easier to shoulder with a coat on.

I like this idea. Might go that route at some point.