I've used a MinWax reddish stain, too, but in a 1/2 pt. can. I was trying to make the color of a replacement buttstock match the color of the original forend wood. I used three light coats of a MinWax walnut color, then one coat of the reddish color, then one more light coat of the first color. It turned out very, very close to the f/e. Not in the shop to look right now, but pretty sure it was that same Red Mahogany 225, Bill. I'll look later today and, if wrong, I'll post back with a correction.
When using it I apply it with a cotton ball, and use it as sparingly as possible without streaking, then hang it outside in the sun and breeze for a day to dry. Then, I take it to the bench and rub briskly with a dry terry cloth towel. It almost burnishes the stained wood, and removes any undried stain which was too thick in that area. It doesn't take much finish after that to get an "old look" to it, with the pores just partially filled.
http://forum.foxcollectors.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=7229 SRH
