Mauser,

Can you post a pic of your gun? It would help in understanding what you're starting with. I wouldn't consider the use of stain to be "cheating". Stains have been used by people for thousands of years to alter the color of wood. You may not want to rub your stock with ink berry, but maybe you could trade some beads to Sherwin Williams for some Minwax that would achieve the color you desire.