Sanding Gunstock Contours for Smooth Oil Finishes

Rifle and shotgun gunstocks often feature curves, cheek rests, and handgrips that must be sanded carefully for comfort and appearance. Poor sanding leaves scratches that stand out under oil finishes, while aggressive sanding can flatten contours. This guide explains how to sand gunstocks smoothly while preserving their shape.

Why Contour Sanding Matters

Unlike flat boards, gunstocks have complex 3D curves. Even minor sanding mistakes can change ergonomics or create uneven finishes. Careful sanding ensures a smooth surface that feels comfortable in hand and showcases the natural grain when oiled.

Tools You’ll Need

• Detail sanding sponges and foam pads
• Flexible sanding blocks
• Wet/dry sandpaper (80–400 grit)
• Tack cloth and vacuum
• Gunstock cradle or padded vise

Best Grit Sequence for Gunstocks

• 80 grit: For shaping and removing old finish.
• 150 grit: Refines contours and smooths coarse scratches.
• 320 grit: Creates a smooth surface ready for oil.
• 400 grit: Optional for ultra-fine polishing before final coats.

Step-by-Step: Sanding Gunstocks

1. Secure the stock. Clamp in a padded cradle or vise to prevent movement.
2. Strip old finish. Use 80 grit (25-pack) to remove varnish, dents, or scratches.
3. Refine contours. Switch to 150 grit (50-pack) with foam pads to follow curves without flattening them.
4. Smooth for finishing. Use 320 grit (100-pack) for a silky, scratch-free surface.
5. Optional polish. For high-gloss oil finishes, add a final pass with 400 grit.

Special Cases

Checkering areas should never be heavily sanded—mask them off to preserve crisp detail. If dents remain, steam them out with a damp cloth and iron before final sanding.

Pro Tips

• Always sand with the grain to avoid visible scratches under oil finishes.
• Keep foam pads handy—they conform to complex curves better than rigid blocks.
• Use raking light to reveal scratches before applying finish.

Aftercare

• Oil finishes: Apply boiled linseed or tung oil after sanding for durability and beauty.
• Touch-ups: Lightly sand with 320 grit between oil coats for smooth layering.
• Storage: Keep stocks dry and conditioned to maintain finish.

FAQs

• Can I use power sanders? Only for flat buttstock areas—hand sanding is safer for contours.
• Do I sand checkering? No—mask off checkering or clean with a stiff brush instead.
• What if I sand too much? Small low spots can be filled with epoxy, but prevention is best.

Watch & Learn

Sanding gunstocks requires patience and attention to contours. By following the correct grit sequence and preserving detail, you’ll achieve a smooth, comfortable finish that highlights the wood’s natural beauty.