A good wax is totally necessary when working with an oil finished stock, IMO. Therein lies the secret to making an oil finish viable- to a degree. While a barrier finish is to be preferred for a stock that will see hard use in a variety of weather/humidity conditions, I can understand the desire for an oil finish under certain circumstances- a low humidity environment, the gun sees little use beyond an occasional trip to the range, a commitment to keeping it somewhat sealed with a good paste wax, and simply the owner likes the look/feel of it. I like a nicely wrought oil finish as much as the next guy, but I usually lean toward a good barrier finish as I don't know where my guns will end up when they leave my hands, and I wish to provide the best possible protection.
Last edited by gnoahhh; 07/09/15.
