Cooner54,
I used the total Wakhon Bay finishes. I browned the barrel with Tru-Brown, stained the stock with Aquafortis, and then applied the Tru-Coat on the stock. Yes, I am sure you are correct in that the Tru-Coat did not really protect the stain. One one of the subsequent restaining, I used some True Oil but I didn't use too much because I wasn't fond of a shiny finish. I lost count on how many restainings and other types of coats I used.
Like I said, the Aguafortis looked good on my Hawken. Keeping it on there was the challenge!
TexiKan