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MtnMike2, I would refinish---by this method.
1) Strip off all metal.
2) Use Certi-strip or Zip-Strip and take off all old finish, using nothing coarser that "0" steel wool.
3) Steam up all dents using throw away steam iron and wash cloth over wood area to be steamed.
4) Very lightly sand entire stock using silicon carbide waterproof sandpaper. Use an artgum eraser for a backer or a hard rubber block.(Never sand without a backer) Mask off checkering to keep from knocking off the tops of the diamonds unless you plan on having it "pointed up". Be very careful next to metal fitting areas so as not to remove wood which will leave the metal "proud" when you reassemble the gun.
5) If you have done it before----stain the bare wood to get the Winchester color. Pilkington Pre-64 stain is the best to use from Brownells.
6) Start rubbing on coats of boiled linseed oil. Rub it on and then rub with the palm of your hand until it seems to be on fire. Then hang the stock in a warm area to dry a few days. About 4 or 5 coats whould have most of the pores filled. The more you rub it, the better it will look.
7) Carefully scrape any oil buildup from the bottom of the swivel base recesses, bottom metal recesses, etc. before reinstalling the metal parts.
8) Most of the professional stock makers use this method, and the directions will usually come with a bottle of most professional oil finishes. It is not easy, but it looks very good.
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