....I understand that varnishes could keep ship parts from deteriorating, but is that level of protection really necessary for a gun, particularly a fine gun that is mostly kept clean and dry?
I think there is quite a bit of range in whats considered a varnish, and they are not necessarily different from whats called an oil gunstock finish. Assuming a decent natural wood stock, I would think the primary reason for using a varnish is the ability for the finish to cure in a timely manner, aesthetic potential, and ultimate protection might be a lesser true need.
