Gunnit Rust: River M1 Carbine restoration on the cheap (Tier IV trusty rusty)
Came into possession of a Gen 1 Universal M1 carbine that had spent some time underwater.
Decided to "restore it" as cheaply as possible. The only money spent was $7 in sandpaper and a $4 can of Engine spraypaint.
I also used some linseed oil I already had.
Didn't take as many pictures of before the painting and coating (didn't originally think of submitting to rust), but you can see how pitted the rifle was. The metal was sanded and degreased, then painted with the engine enamel and ghetto-rigged baked in my salvation army toaster oven that I normally use for powder coating. The only part not painted was the bolt itself, as I was worried it would interfere with cycling. The paint turned a grey color after painting, giving it a sort of "Parkerized" look.
The stock was sanded then given 9 or 10 coats of boiled linseed oil.
Before/During (some pictures out of order):
After:
For the cost I think it turned out really well, and the carbine is a fun and Accurate shooter.
Posted Sep 23, 2018, 4:40 AM UTC