Forgot to add:
I still need to sand down that awful clear coat, and cut some checkering. Then go for a hand rubbed oil finish. Custom rifles are irritating, especially when a guy could get a nice factory rifle, and not have to deal with this "thinking, planning, spending and whacky madness.
Just an FYI, you should finish your finish before going to the checkering...
Also, you will find it much easier to apply your oil finish heavy, wait a few minutes and rub the whole thing absolutely dry. Use a lot of coats and forget about rubbing out drops. The job will be better and it will be much easier.
