BSA CF2 6.5x55

[Brithunter]

Hmmm page 175 of Knibbs book on the BSA production say:-

The trigger guard unit, which contained the hinged magazine bottom plate, was now a gracefuloval shape as opposed the square and angular shape of the Monarch trigger gard. It was made of aluminium, anodised black, for weight reduction.

Now I for one have wondered about this as the finish on my CF2 Stutzen has a chip in it on the guard bow and the finish is more like a baked on finish then anodising.

Now I wonder if the alloy is in fact Mazak which is an alloy of Zinc and Magnesium. Mazak does anodise it seems as BSA Made the "Snipe" using this alloy which was anodised all sort of garish colours for the West African market.

To re-finish the guard and make it look like it did when it left the factory I would use a bake on spray paint.

 

[canuck87]

My guard didn't look like it was anodized the way it was chipping. Also they only coloured the bottom part, not the rest of the guard, and it looks like it was painted or sprayed onto based on the side walls.

 

[Brithunter]

My guard didn't look like it was anodized the way it was chipping. Also they only coloured the bottom part, not the rest of the guard, and it looks like it was painted or sprayed onto based on the side walls.

Then someone has had a go at in in the past as they ones on the three CF2's I have or had have all been covered on all sides black. Sorry I don't have a photo of the little chip on the finish on the trigger guard on mine.

 

[canuck87]

Interesting. My gunsmith is going to KG Gunkote it in a semi-gloss black finish to try and match the blue of the magazine plate. I don't think I'll have to worry about it chipping anymore! If the product is good enough for the Navy SEALS, then it's good enough for my purposes. *Edit, smith called, and the parts already done! took 1 day!

Did you see my bolt take-down post? Is that what you remember of the process?

I just mixed up some Alkanate root powder with some BLO. Seems to have dissolved it. Did 2 tablespoons to about 3/4's of a standard jam jar. Looks very purple-ish and rich thus far. Set her in the sun after some vigorous shaking. See how she is in a week or so.

Metalwork has been degreased and cleaned to the best of my abilities. Pine needles, grit, and gunk removed with simple green, toothbrush, paper towels, and Q-tips (great for the nooks in the trigger assembly).

 

[canuck87]

Okay today I stripped the stock, took three times, and lots of scrubbing to get some of the stubborn finish off. Ironed out the scratches and knicks as much as possible. I just finished burnishing the stock which gave it a subtle reflective sheen and smoothed out the wood.

Alkanet root oil is looking pretty good so far.

 

[Brithunter]

The black diamond is a plastic of some type it seems. You may have to scrap it smooth then re-polish it as the stripper appear to attacked the surface of it.

 

[canuck87]

Tonight I put on the first coat of Alkanet root oil. Just enough for it to sit and absorb, then rubbed it in and then wiped excess off. She's dried off now. Coat 2 tomorrow. The oil really enhances the grain and also blends the scratches and blemishes. Does Red oil work on other woods besides walnut like birch and beech? Also the burnishing of wood gives a really nice sheen that reflects.

Before and After (so far)

 

[Brithunter]

Ahhh yes just remembered a little trick to help fill in any pores left a bit open. Once you have applied a wet coat of Root oil if you then lightly wet sand it with a fine abrasive the slurry it produces will help fill in the pores like on the rosewood tip. It might also help a bit more to fill in those hard to remove scrapes. Just keep it out of the chequering!

The stock is looking much better already .

 

[canuck87]

Do you sand it along the grain or in circular motions?

 

[canuck87]

3 coats in and she's getting darker and the grain is starting to 'pop' out to the eye.

Would there be any downside to just use the root oil for the entire stocks oiling rather than switching over to plain BLO?

 

[Brithunter]

Yes as it's not actually a finish it's not weather resistant and not durable unless protected by a proper top finish.

 

[canuck87]

I forgot to mention that my alkanet oil is mixed with blo, so it essentially is putting on red blo. Once that is done, I'm putting paste wax on.

 

[canuck87]

After 7 coats of mixed BLO/alkanet root oil. Got that English red walnut colour I wanted.

 

[Brithunter]

Take off all oil from the surface and allow to dry a day or so then apply the finish. Somehow I think you will need a finish despite your coloured oil being BLO based.

This should smooth it right out and shine it up some too.

It's sure looking better than before you started .

 

[canuck87]

I will, once the oil has dried off, I'm going to rub paste wax and buff it to give it some more protection and shine.

 

[canuck87]

I'm very happy with the stock, I didn't sand so the recoil pad mated up well with the wood.


It looks way better than it used to, and it's a nice oil finish (7 coats BLO/Alkanet Root) with a coat of paste wax on top. It's smooth. It still shows some of the character marks of its age through the scratches, dings etc., but I like that aspect too.


I put on a leather sling which is from Spain (Corzo). I think it matches the tone quite well. Swivels are Blackhawk 1'' Lok-Down swivels made in USA.


Metalwork should be added shortly, and I have sourced out Williams guide sights to complete the look.


Anyways obligatory photos before and after:


Before:

After:

 

[canuck87]

Updates:

Last night I mounted a older Leupold VXII 3-9x33 Compact scope on Leupold standard bases with low rings.

Williams Guide Sets are en route to complete the look.

Bottom metal was finished in Cerakote gun metal blue and is very nice. May consider having the entire rifle done.

Loaded up some ammo (first time reloading!). Used once fired Federal 6.5x55 cases, Hornady SST 140 gr, and two 3 round batches of Reloader-22 powder (44.5 and 45 grains). I was given some factory Federal ammo as well which I will use to sight in the scope.

Heading to the range on Tuesday for sighting in and shooting for groups.

I'm thinking of zeroing out at 200 yards. Any recommendations?

 

[birdwatcher]

very nice you did a outstanding job bringing that rifle back those old BSA,Parkerhale and husqavarna rifles were realy good wish they still made them like that at the price of a tikka today

 

[canuck87]

I also have a Husqvarna 640 in 8x57. Going to be my open sights gun. Will post pics as well.

New guns today just don't have that craftsmanship of the bygone era.

 

[canuck87]

She's all done! Credit to BritHunter for his wisdom and advice!