I used the Birchwood and Casey kit a long tiime ago. I bought a beat up stevens .410 at a yard sale for a project gun. When I finished I traded it and was allowed high book. Take your time and follow the instructions to the letter and good results can be had. It' s like wood work the final finish is a result of preperation If you didn' t dand it smooth to start no amouont of varnish will cover it up. Preperation,preperation,preperation good luck