In order for a stain to "take" you need to remove any finish from the wood. Depending on what the original finish was, there may be different methods needed to remove it. Usually a soaking in acetone will do it, Then knowing what the original wood is will help you determine what kind of stain to use to get the desired color. After staining, a finish is needed to protect it, Tru-oil, or one of the many other gunstock finish's will work.

__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244