[GordonSetter]

Welcome birdbrained! Love the name, been called that alot durring pheasant season
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I don't see a need to stain any stock if you like the way it looks. You do need to protect it though. You need to seal the wood with a good clear seal. Many sealers can be had colored or clear. Minwax makes some good products. Ask your local hardware store for a product that could be used on a fine wood chair that you might take out in the rain. Once the funny looks are done they should be able to help you out.

As for the SxS, let me put it this way, I'd be happy to take the gun and restore it if you don't want it.

 

[GordonSetter]

The only way I have fixed large dents in a stock is to use a wood filler. It takes a bit od time to mix the colors and get it to match, but in the end it looks good, not great, good. I mix the filler, scuff the dent, put the filler in the dent, smoth it with a plastic trowl, let it dry, sand it, then put mixwax sealer or stain on it. I have only done this twice and it is the only way I know. I bet there are much better ways out to go about it.