So, I finished it up. Thanks to everyone on here that gave me pointers. I removed the originial finish using a citrus stripper. I left in the dents and dings, as they kind of matched what I wanted from this gun and an "antiqued" look. Added a light application of "dark walnut" stain, several coats of tung oil and then finished it off with beeswax paste. To say I'm happy with how it turned out would be an understatement. Above how it looks, the feel of the wood grain in hand is sublime. It totally changed this gun from something ordainary to something special for me.
Here are some before and after photos.
Here are some before and after photos.