Traditions Rifle Kit, completed photos please.

[user 55881]

I purchased the Traditions Rifle kit at the insistence of the wife. She didn't twist my arm , but she was quit stern... I agreed , if it could be considered a Christmas gift. I will start assembly after the 25th. I would like to see what you have done to yours. Please include the stain and finish. I am trying to get an idea of what to use on the Beech stock they use. If all goes as expected I may need to get her a Hawkens ,even though she is not that into guns . One good turn deserves another.
thanks in advance
Mr Ron

 

[NorthFork]

Please don't use an oil based stain! Use an alcohol or water based stain. Oil stains on euro beech look like heck. And take your time. LOT'S of TIME. Don't rush it.

 

[user 55881]

Thank You. Retired = old. lot of time on my hands. Plan is to make this perfect. That means no one knows where the flaws are but me.

 

[Phil Coffins]

A water based stain and Tru-Oil.
IMG_0393 by Oliver Sudden, on Flickr

 

[user 55881]

thank you ! just what I was looking for. what color stain?

 

[Tumbledown]

What are your skills? I have done 2, one percussion and one flint. I joined the stock halves permanently and made new nosecaps, and used Fiebrings leather dye to stain the wood. Here's a couple pics, but you can find more details in my posts elsewhere on these forums.

 

[64Springer]

Please don't use an oil based stain! Use an alcohol or water based stain. Oil stains on euro beech look like heck. And take your time. LOT'S of TIME. Don't rush it.

^^^This right here is the unvarnished truth.^^^

Ignore this truth and you will be very unhappy with the results.

Beech does not allow oil based stains to penetrate.

 

[64Springer]

Jukar Kentucky restoration. Same wood as Traditions Kentucky.

The color is a combination of Trans Tint alcohol based stains. The nice thing about Trans Tint is that it allows the varying grains to really pop. Aside from lye solution on cherry wood, it's the only stain brand I use.

Finished with 50/50 BLO and mineral spirits.

 

[Frontier's]

Birchwood Casey truck oil and their walnut stain.

 

[Frontier's]

Birchwood Casey genuine oil and their walnut stain. Faux stripes were between 6 to 9 coats birchwood Casey walnut.

 

[64Springer]

Great job on those stripes.

 

[Greg_E]

I'm probably going to get grief, and this image isn't great, looks better in the sunlight.

I used tannic acid solution which didn't really soak in too much, wiped it off after two or three coatings. Then I applied a very concentrated ferric nitrate, a couple coats of this and let dry. Then hit it with a heat gun to convert to the rusty brown. Tru-oil, lots of coats with sanding when I felt it was right (even though some were too early). Probably 10-12 coats total and should probably have one more wet sanding and a few more coats of True oil and maybe some Birchwood Casey stock wax and buffing.

The metal is nickel plate, a lot of people here hate it, they tell me I might as well have bought an inline. They can stuff it! It isn't really a faithful reproduction of a Hawken to start with. Now I just call it my style which will ebb and flow with my own desires.

 

[user 55881]

Thanks ALL! Loud and clear, NO OIL BASED STAINS ! got it. I have Tru Oil on hand, that's a start. Well a Finish....

 

[ArmorerRoy]

Tung oil finish, fieblings dark brown leather dye on wood, browned the barrel and lock, and brass black on all brass.

 

[Loja man]

Laurel Mountain Forge Nut Brown with some maple mixed in. Sutherland Wells Tung oil finish. LMF barrel brown.

 

[Gold Grizzly]

What are your skills? I have done 2, one percussion and one flint. I joined the stock halves permanently and made new nosecaps, and used Fiebrings leather dye to stain the wood. Here's a couple pics, but you can find more details in my posts elsewhere on these forums.

Nice work on that rifle, the stock looks a lot better permanently joined together.

 

[user 55881]

I am thinking of trying a light coat of stain before I do ANY shaping or sanding in the area where the woods meet. Is there enough material there so it can be sanded out and changed? Also for those who chose to forgo the brass spacer. Did you need to modify the muzzle brass? I have not seen my kit as yet.

 

[Mulemauler]

Jukar Kentucky restoration. Same wood as Traditions Kentucky.

The color is a combination of Trans Tint alcohol based stains. The nice thing about Trans Tint is that it allows the varying grains to really pop. Aside from lye solution on cherry wood, it's the only stain brand I use.

Finished with 50/50 BLO and mineral spirits.

Love short barreled rifles!

 

[Loja man]

I am thinking of trying a light coat of stain before I do ANY shaping or sanding in the area where the woods meet. Is there enough material there so it can be sanded out and changed? Also for those who chose to forgo the brass spacer. Did you need to modify the muzzle brass? I have not seen my kit as yet.

Yes, you have to extend the muzzle brass or replace with something else.

 

[deermanok]

I would suggest trying a stain inside the barrel channel or lock mortise. At least if you don't like the color, it's going to be hidden.
The last Traditions deerhunter kit I did, I used Minnwax Gun Stock stain, water based.
I liked the color.
I've since sold the gun otherwise, I'd post a picture.