RE: Need advise on stock refinishing
 

Also, don't forget to apply coats of finish to the wood where it has been inletted. In fact, this is the only place I can see using polyurethane (such as spar varnish). This will seal the entire stock and help prevent warping due to humidity. If you do use spar varnish, make sure it does not show around the barrel, receiver, etc. Otherwise, just recoat with the same stock finish, such as Tru-OIl, every time you apply a coat of finish to the exterior.

Brian

RE: Need advise on stock refinishing
 

I agree with the general opinion - probably better off re-finishing the whole thing.

The main thing with the checkered areas is to avoid getting too much finish in the grooves. If doing a hand-rubbed oil finish, after applying a coat of whatever oil I am using, I will gently brush out the checkered area with a clean, dry, soft toothbrush. This keeps the grooves from getting too much.

Also, you might not give the checkered areas as many coats as the rest of the stock.

Oh - and yes you can use 0000 steel wool on the checkering, it's so fine it shouldn't cause a problem - just take it easy!

You can "spruce up" the checkering if you feel ambitious. It's not terribly hard to do, but does take some special tools. Check out Brownells.

RE: Need advise on stock refinishing
 

Thanks guys, I seen a new one and the checker in is darker than the wood anyway. So I don't think it would look too bad if I couldnt get the color just right.

I will give Tru oil a try. Or linseed.