John,
it sounds like you are describing oil staining. The wood is darkened from constant applications of gun oil. The wood absorbs the oil when it is applied to the surrounding metal.
I have used acetone to breakdown the oil. You can either wipe it on for light staining or submerge the area and let it soak for twenty-four hours. I refinished my Model 70 stock using this method.
I agree that most of what you are witnessing is oil. I’ve had good success by baking the stock only in an oven that is set to about 125 degrees. Take the stock out occasionally and wipe it down with a soft rag or paper towel and repeat the process until nothing is left to boil out of the wood.
WACA Life Benefactor Member
NRA Life Member
Just don’t do what John E. did a while back. Was trying to speed up the drying of varnish and forgot it was in there and broiled fish with the forearm still in.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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