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I have 2 Model 69a’s in apparently very nice condition. They both have a black coating that appears to be applied in the factory to the areas aft of the bolt, along the upper edges of the rear stock and inside the bolt handle notch. What is the material and can it be added to as it has worn over the years? Thanks for any help you have.
March 31, 2009
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Is it a coating or is it stain that was never wiped off?
It is a black/dark grey coating that appeared to be a thick liquid that hardened. It appears to have been applied to these areas to cover the open pores in the wood in those areas.This gave a darkened look to these areas.Through years of use and cleaning this material has been wore down.
July 17, 2012
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The “black” is a sealer that was applied by Winchester (rather sloppily) to cover the end grain exposed by the action and sight inletting. It is common to most post-war Model 69As.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Thanks.I guess the best bet is to leave it alone and call it part of the aging process/patina so to speak. I appreciate your info.
July 17, 2012
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Dave Barnes said
Thanks.I guess the best bet is to leave it alone and call it part of the aging process/patina so to speak. I appreciate your info.
Yes, I would leave it alone as it is one of the small “tell-tales” to indicate if a stock has been refinished.
Also, I did not answer the second part of your question as to the composition of the sealer (“what is the material?”) because I am unsure as to the exact composition. It is mentioned in Winchester documentation as simply “sealer” with no mention of the exact composition. By default it has to be a product compatible with lacquer but that is as far as I have been able to identify it to date. As I mentioned, it was a higher viscosity product that was applied by hand (I suspect by brush) on the raw end grain created by inletting the stock for the receiver, bolt handle and receiver sight (as applicable).
If anyone knows the exact composition I would be interested in the information.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
