Stripping stain from a gun stock

[USMC2828]

Good evening everyone,

I have a smoothbore kit gun from Dixie gun works that I picked up for cheap from a flea market a few years ago. It shoots great but looks AWFUL. Whoever did this kit put it together as fast as they possibly could, and I’d like to redo the stock this winter so it isn’t such an eye sore. My best guess is that this is a kit gun from the 70’s. My question is, how do you strip down the stain from the stock so that it can be properly refinished?

I know that they make chemical strippers, but I’m hesitant to use them. I’ve also heard of people taking a razor blade to try to scrape off the top layer, but that also seems problematic. Anyone out there have any tried and true methods?

 

[Trapper Scott]

Citra strip is the only way to go. I use to gunsmith for a living and nothing beats the stuff. Buy it, watch some videos on how to use and it will take care of the old finish. Don't take any kind of metal tools to it before you strip it. Apply the citra strip, let it soak the correct amount of time and rinse it off. Do as many times as needed and then learn about using a wet t shirt and an iron to lift the grain and remove oils and citra strip residue from the stock. Lowes or any decent hardware store carries it.

 

[Birddog1911]

Scott is right on the Citra Strip. Do NOT use Bix; that stuff is worthless garbage. What took 5 coats of Bix, and didn't come off, a single coat of CS stripped it right off.