nicholst55

Although this thread is rather dated, I would add that many Mosin stocks are beech, rather than birch. I first apply something like Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner (to virtually all types of wood), and then stain with Chestnut Ridge Military Stock Stain. Once that's dry, I prepare a small amount of whatever oil finish I'm using and add a few drops of Pilkington's Spirit Stains (red). My Mosin stocks don't look 'original', complete with brush strokes and runny shellac, but they look might fine. Even if I say so myself!

+1 for Acraglas Gel. Devcon Liquid Steel is reasonably easy to work with for high-stress applications. I really like it for glassing M1s and M1As. I still prefer Acraglas Gel for most applications, though. Another good one is Micro-Bed, formerly made by the Micro Sight Company, but now owned and made by Brownells. It's really handy when you only need a small amount of glass.