Gouge Repair

[41special]

Have this nasty damage on my otherwise pristine Anchutez. Would you live with it or seek repair?

 

[RC44Mag]

How deep is the gouge?

 

[s4s4u]

You could start by sanding the finish off the gouged area and using a q-tip soaked in water, dab it and let it dry...repeat...repeat...repeat...

The unfinished wood will swell when wetted and raise the area of the gouge. How much will depend on the wood species.

I have had good luck with oak doing this. If it doesn't come flush with the rest of the stock, you might be able to sand (with a block) the area to even it out. I would strip and refinish the entire stock.

 

[Kevin]

Have this nasty damage on my otherwise pristine Anchutez. Would you live with it or seek repair?View attachment 100542

If the rest of the rifle is pristine, then no, I couldn’t live with it. Like suggested, water will raise the wood fibers.

There is also some sort of fix with an iron I think.

But since it’s an anachutz, if you don’t feel comfortable fixing it, find a professional.

 

[jimbo1096]

I agree with s4s4u, the stock would look much better if you followed his recommendations. I would try tung oil for a finish

 

[XUSNORDIE]

If it still shoots as expected/needed I could live with it. Pretty doesn't have anything to do with accuracy.

 

[Dan in MI]

If the rest of the rifle is pristine, then no, I couldn’t live with it. Like suggested, water will raise the wood fibers.

There is also some sort of fix with an iron I think.

I believe you are talking about using steam from an iron as a way to get water deeper in the wood.

 

[ArizonaTea123]

Is it a gouge or a dent? If no material is missing you can steam the dent.
A wet cotton washcloth and a flat iron (clothes iron set on high heat).
However you would have to refinish the whole stock with polyurethane or BLO.
I've steamed many a dent from wood stocks.

 

[Donnieweps]

Have this nasty damage on my otherwise pristine Anchutez. Would you live with it or seek repair?View attachment 100542

OUCH!

 

[Chief 101]

Too much material missing, I would inlay something sentimental into the gouge...just a thought

 

[s4s4u]

Looks more like a dent, than a gouge. Water...sandpaper...elbow grease!

 

[blackhawkshooter]

If the rest of the rifle is pristine, then no, I couldn’t live with it. Like suggested, water will raise the wood fibers.

There is also some sort of fix with an iron I think.

But since it’s an anachutz, if you don’t feel comfortable fixing it, find a professional.

You raise the grain by applying wet towels over the damaged area then apply heat using a iron, soldering irons, or a heat gun. Learned that in Industrial Arts class.

 

[Busterswoodshop]

Pretty doesn't have anything to do with accuracy.

But it sure doesn't hurt.

Personally , I would try the water , steaming or however you decide do it , before I did any sanding.

 

[Kevin]

Too much material missing, I would inlay something sentimental into the gouge...just a thought

Inlay something sounds like a great idea! An old coin or something perhaps.

Any fix with water will still require blending the top finishing coat. Not to mention getting the color right if there is a stain on the stock?