That stock is very fixable. You should be able to handle it easily. Most beginners start off with Tru Oil, and in this case, that's what I would suggest. Strip the finish with any finish remover, taking care to remove or mask off any plastic parts beforehand. Gently sand down the stock (stay out of the checkering!) down to, oh 600 grit, stain if you want, and then apply the Tru Oil in very very thin coats, rubbed in with your hand. Lightly buff with OOOO steel wool between coats. To do it properly and fill the grain, you may need twenty or more coats. Most folks don't go to that extreme though. A rifle that nice though, I'd give it my best effort...
That's the Cliff Notes version of how to do it.....PM me if you need more info. I'd be glad to help.
