I used BLO with 4-0 steel wool on an old wall-hanger I keep because it belonged to my GrandFather. You do have to be a bit careful about getting bits of the steel wool in the pores, but I had no particular problem with this. Results were indeed amazing. Wood was nearly bleached white & this brought back both the color & the figure. The 50/50 mix of LO (boiled or raw) & pure gum Turpentine might be even better.
There is a mix known as Fenman's Elixir which I have used in restoring Antique Sewing Machines (I have other interests as well) but have not used it on a gun stock. Most of the very old Sewing Machine cabinets were either "Oiled or Polished". The polished finish was a shellac finish, Fenman' Eelixir works on either. It consists of equal parts of LO (Fenman prefers raw but I have used boiled with good results) ; Vinegar ( Malt preferred but cider, distilled white & others can be used; Mineral spirits or pure Turpentine. A faster version can be mixed by using 1/2 part of Denatured Alcohol, thus 1:1:1;1/2. You have to work a lot faster with the alcohol added. This mix cleans & restores but does not Strip old finish. This to me is a very desirable feature on both old guns as well as old sewing Machines, the old nicks, scars etc are a big part of their history. I am not big on total restoration on much anything old except when there is absolutely no other choice.
