After holding it for a day or 2 I decided the stock needed stripping and a proper finish done.
Rifle as I got it
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/DSCF0756.jpg
Stock before
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/DSCF0760.jpg
Stripper doing it's thing
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/DSCF0761.jpg
After sanding with 200, 400, 800, 1200 then 0000 steel wool
http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/a...g/DSCF0763.jpg
Left it in the hot water cupboard to keep warm and dry till I get the "special finish" for it.