Marlin Model 60 rebuild part 1

Happy April Fools Day, no jokes here, but if you are interested in some April Foolery, click here.

I bought this 1981 vintage Marlin Model 60 in a lot that included a Smith & Wesson Model 29 and a Remington 11-48 shotgun. I paid $1000 for all three and since the Model 29 came with the presentation case and was in pristine condition, I figured the Model 60 and 11-48 shotgun were basically free.

In 1981 the model 60 still had the 22" barrel, 18 round magazine and updated feed throat, but had not yet received the last shot hold open, which arrived in 1984. 

Here is what it looked like when I got it. It had a cheap low power, small reticle scope, which I removed and saved for another project.

The wrist of the stock was cracked and glued back together.

The trigger guard (aluminum) had been broken off around the rear bolt for some reason, perhaps part of the stock breakage or repair?

There were some small rust spots here and there

I cleaned them up with some oil and 0000 steel wool

While cleaning the gun I found a brass brush in the barrel.....

After cleaning and buffing out the small rusty spots, the finish looked pretty good, all it really needed was a replacement stock. I have another Model 60 project on my bench and had bought a parts lot for that project that included a stock:

The stock had plenty of dings and dents, it also had a superficial crack on the butt, it is probably from being dry (improper storage).

1st step is to remove the old "Mar-shield" finish. I use Citristrip, one heavy coat, then let it sit for an hour.

then scrape away as much as you can, the more finish you remove, the less sandpaper you will use

Then I use Acetone and a paper towel to remove the stripper and remaining finish

Then I start sanding with 100 grit, remember to use a block, sand with the grain and watch the contours, you want to keep the flat stuff flat and the round stuff round.

Next, I fit the butt plat to the stock with the belt sander, I use a gentle touch, taking just enough material.

Then I begin sanding the entire stock, starting with 100 grit working our way up to 320 grit

then I fill the crack with some glue and a little bit of sanding dust

Next I get out the hobby iron and attempt to steam out some of the dents.

then we go ahead and raise the grain, the dye I will be using is alcohol based, but it can still cause the grain to raise. After it dries, I knock down any high fibers with 400 grit sandpaper

I have used Feibing's leather dye in the past, it gives you a nice tobacco brown color with a hint of red.

make sure to use gloves, this stuff will stain your skin. I rub on one coat and let it dry

Then I apply the first coat of Tru-Oil

I let each coat dry for 24 hours before applying the next coat, I did three coats on this stock.