Conclusion: I thought this early on in the process, but forgot.
I believe the stock was not only stained reddish-brown but it was also scorched, like someone swiped it with a blowtorch to thinking dark swaths would look cool (1980s...stone washed jeans...). Stripper won't remove scorch marks, thus I did a lot of sanding. I didn't sand it all off lest I widdle it down to nothing.
Next step, true oil. Hopefully it will hide what remains.
WILL COLD BLUE HIDE SCRATCHES?
Thanks,
Bob/dog
