thanx guys....ill probably start over and do it right this time...i used to have an AWESOME looking green stain around here somewhere....lol...i wont do that to the hawken....i want a dark rich look to it...but my 22 might be calling next........i love whacky looking things...never thought to stain a stock with the green stain...i got some foaming stripper from the last time i stripped the hawken...worked surprisingly well at getting off that nasty 4 inch thick clear coat...ill start with that and sand as needed like last time......thanx for the info......maybe ill do the 22 stock while im at it....it doesnt NEED done...but after seeing the diffrence of factory finishes vs hand finishes im sure it looks 1000 times better under their finish......