Staining SA gunstocks

[Dick Hosmer]

I know that Fiebings alcohol-based dyes have been widely recommended for coloring raw wood on stocks. What shade have you found that works the best for SA walnut? Or is there a blend that has worked well? I'm assuming that multiple coats of a lighter color are better than getting it too dark to begin with? Any tips you can share? Many thanks.

[throck3]

Dick,
I wonder how different the reddish stain used on the old Winchesters are from the SA finish. Midway has a "Pre-64" stain that some Winchester restorers use for restoring old Winchester stocks. Google "Winchester Red", and you will find lots of hits on restoring similarly colored stocks. Hope that gives you a starting point.

RT

[45govt]

Hello
Sorry I can't remember the exact formula I used, it was probably a combination of walnut stains but I know I used iodine to redden the stain for the grip to get a match for the color of my stock.
Thanks
Don

[Tony Beck]

The best match I have found is Behlen Hickory stain. Unfortunately Behlen was bought out a couple years ago. I don't know who the successor is, but an internet search should pull them up.

The original armory stain was based on Dragon's Blood, which is made from Sumac berries. The formula is in one of the Chief of Ordnance reports from before the Civil War, but I don't recall which year. It's also reproduced in one of Claude Fuller's books. (Probably easier to find there. I'd start with Springfield Muzzle Loading Shoulder Arms)

Here is a stock that was cut off and I spliced under the band then stained with Behlen Hickory.

[Dick Hosmer]

Really nice match, Tony!

Thanks to all who replied.