Hi Pete:
RDH-45 seems to know what of which he speaks!
I have a Beretta stock that was a very light colour of blond wood that was ugly. I decided to stain it darker to improve the looks. I did make it darker but the stain caused the grain to be very very muted to a point where it was hidden. What caused this is a mystery to me as I have worked with wood all of my life.
I have been schooled in the uses of wood finishes all of my life but there are still some things that do not work as suggested!
The best advice that I can give you is to try a stain and see if you are satisfied. If not, be prepared to start over again until you get the results that satisfies you!
Good luck,
Franchi
