Refinishing Zouave...

[Coonhound]

After 15 good seasons of trekking through the woods after whitetails, i've decided that this winter after the deer gun season my reproduction 1863 Remington Contract rifle, or "Zouave", needs a facelift.

I'd like to strip the bluing off the barrel and refinish the stock. I'd think that bluing remover will take the barrel down to bare metal, followed by polishing with emery cloth to make it shiny again will look really sharp. Then i'd like to sand the stock and re-stain it a darker walnut.

Are there any hidden tricks to this i might face along the way? Will the factory finish just sand off the stock with some high-grade sand paper? Will emery cloth take off the small spots of surface rust from the barrel?

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

Use sand paper only as a last resort, it will take a lot of effort (WORK!) and will remove too much wood. When I bought a Zouave back in 1972 they had a varnish finish, since yours goes back 15 years maybe it does too? At any rate, try one of the furniture strippers from the hardware store, varnish will come off easily but if it is a "plastic" finish it may be tough but try it any way. There will be light sanding you will need to do afterwards but not the heavy type you'll need to do if you only sand. after stripping a good grade of walnut stain and a tongue oil finish should make it look good. Best of luck.

 

[WV_Hillbilly]

Will the factory finish just sand off the stock with some high-grade sand paper? Will emery cloth take off the small spots of surface rust from the barrel?

I must agree that sand paper can be a dangerous material when refinishing a rifle stock. (Same applies to a Dremel and bits.) It's just too darn easy to "over-do" things, and regrettably impossible to put it back after the deed is done.

Coincidentally, I was refinishing a Zouave for my Uncle a couple years ago and the "stripper" I used was Klean Strip made for Wood Surfaces. Paint polyurethane, lacquer, and epoxy are all listed as finishes that are removed in 15minutes or less. Wear protective gloves and long sleeves (wear old clothes). Make sure to stay well ventilated. This stuff has some powerful chemicals in it. It's also a semi-paste, which helps keep it on the desired area, but also is sticky on everything else!

If you want a shiny finish, always consider shellac which is made from organic material (some kind of crushed bug juice) and holds up well. If there is any chance of another refinish later, you might want to use a type of finish that is easier to remove (but then it might wear faster too!)

Good luck on your project, it's a great way to get entirely familiar with your gun and you don't usually forget the ones you work closely with... I already asked Uncle if someday I might borrow (permanently) his Zouave when he is done with it.

Regards, and remember the safety gear,
WV_Hillbilly

 

[Coonhound]

Thanks for the advice!

Bits of knowledge like not using sandpaper but varnish remover are just the tips i was looking for.

I love this rifle and it's been the most faithful rifle...let alone muzzle-stuffer...i've ever owned. It's provided me with bountiful deer and i just got to noticing the other evening when i was cleaning it how the miles are really starting to show.

I'll put your advice to good use...and please keep it coming!

Thanks again!

 

[48mauser]

If it is an old style of varnish, it will wash off with household ammonia and steel wool. Make sure to do it in a well venilated area. Paul P.