I just bought a 788 yesterday 1/17 .. and the gun sounds like it is in the same shape as yours and I want to refinish the stock also .. I have a friend that is a body man and I had him spray a couple of stocks with what he called "bumper paint " they are black in color and have a nice synthetic look to them so I think I might do that .. If interested I could ask what he would charge you .. Back to the stain you will need to sand your stock then go to a hardware store pick a color stain then coat it with a clear sealer wich you should be able to get at a gun shop ..Bill