The guy who does my Savage stocks has done the pressed-checkered stocks over for me. He is doing one now and says they are a bi-ch if done properly. The pressed checkering is originally done with heat and possibly steam I think. He uses an iron somehow, and slowly recheckers them properly. They look great when done but its a very slow and difficult process. Good luck.

Gnoahhh, regarding the "filling of pores" in the wood, why not just keep rubbing them over and over with a hand rubbed oil finish, until eventually the pores are all filled up? I know its a slow process but the end result is gorgeous. Here are two of my 99's with a hand-rubbed oil finish.
[Linked Image]]99's with hand rubbed oil stocks[/url]