This should start some interesting discussion. I think the answer you're going to get is that you should not completely strip the stock at all unless absolutely necessary.

That depends of course on what you're after. What kind of gun is it?

Here's an article by Dig Haddock that might give you some guidance. https://www.pressreader.com/uk/sporting-shooter/20170801/281599535512688

I'm a newcomer to stock refinishing, and what I've discovered most clearly is that there are many opinions on how things are done...

Jim