New GPR stock

[bearbelch]

Let me start by saying I just purchased my first black powder rifle after years of saving my Cabela's points. I've been getting my gear together for years and spending time on this website learning everything I can. However, after opening the box I was shocked at how dark the stock is... Heck of a lot darker than any I've seen on TOW or any other websites. Curious if this is common or if others have thought this or did I just get a darker stained stock. Is there something that can be done without stripping the entire stock and starting over? I can barely see the grain of the wood... Guess I'm just disappointed after waiting for so long... Thanks for your input and time.

 

[BrownBear]

They run the full range. You're right that there's some darkening in the finish, but in my experience it's more in the finish than a deep penetrating stain. I'd strip it with a stripper (3M or some such from your local hardware store) rather than sanding, which will lighten it a bunch. But I'm betting the wood beneath will be darker than some. Just luck of the draw. But with a strip/refinish you'll lighten it a bunch. Heck, when I stripped mine it came out lighter than I wanted, so I had to stain it some before finishing!