The checkering is always my big question in refinishing stocks also. I usually pull out the finish with paint remover and a toothbrush, then gently apply finish over just the checkered areas with a very supple brush. When dry, I tape them off, and am a little more aggressive with the rest of the stock. Some of the rifles I have refinished have been previously refinished and the checkering has already been buggered. Not much a person can do with that.
