Thanks much guys, sometimes I think I'm nuts for posting, it's really great to know it's worthwhile! Sure wish there was a magazine interested?!?
The action is a much modified medium Hagn with an integral octagon brl by Ralf Martini in .280. Wood is Cal. English in my preferred plainish, well colored quarter-sawn with good layout and straight grain forend. I call ths "between the wars wood" as it is more closely akin than what we often see today.
One thing I never see mentioned, using two-piece wood I very seldom know if the forend is from even from the same tree as the butt, so I have collected a couple dozen forend blanks, seasoned them and often pick from the stash to match a butt for layout and color. (I insist on straight grain most 1/4 saw in the forend even if it sacrifices a perfect match.) Sometimes one is darker or lighter so this staining helps to match, we shall see very shortly. The top-coats tell all.
As you can see, I'm not a linseed and alkenit kind of guy. Fine for those who want to fuss with the long time-table and archaic processes. I'm tempeted to top-coat with linseed because I've got a good fill, this is probably not going to be an outdoor type rifle and Michael's influence via photos here and last years retro show in Reno. Will probably use Daly's Ben Matte, Danish Oil Finish (Natural Tung Oil Finish) for a bit higher gloss, and harder,more durable and water resist finish.
I'll decide in the next hour or so...
No sanding at all after stain applied Brent, top-coat must go on as nearly perfectly s possible. Linseed would be rubbed in, BenMatte wet & wipe.
Thanks again,
Steve
