I've had excellent results by stripping the finish by applying EZ Stripper (a gel substance that basically melts the finish) and scraping it away with a bondo spreading spatula. Then soap and water cleaning and letting completely and thoroughly dry for about a week in warm area (not hot). Then rub it down (alot) with really fine steel wool and clean off of any dust with cheesecloth.

My finish of choice is then boiled linseed oil. To apply just rub a coat on and allow a few minutes for it to penetrate, then wiping any excess off with a clean rag. If you want it darker - repeat. If even darker results desired/ Repeat again.

I sense you do not want the gloss finish because you'll be hunting with this rifle and don't want glare off the glossy stock, right? The real sweet thing about finishing with linseed oil is that if a branch or something puts a scratch of the stock, it can be quickly and easily touched up with a rag and a little more linseed oil.

Hope it works for you and I think your project would be a really good one to take pics of (before, during & after) and post here as I think alot of members would find them very informative.

Another trick to finishing wood stocks with dents in them. To get the dent out, fold an old washcloth about twice and soak it in water. Set the washcloth on the dent for about 15 minutes to allow some water to soak in the wood a bit. I use a welding torch to heat a 2" X 2" piece of 1-1/2" thick steel to red hot. I then make sure the washcloth is completey soaked and set the steel on the washcloth. The water will become steam inside the wood and cause the crushed cells to inflate, taking the dent out. Let it dry and sand smooth.