I like 'em just a TAD shinier... my standard was the SA NM finish, kind of a matte sheen. FWIW, the SA Museum Preservationist, however, said NEVER use linseed (or any) oil on the stock, he used microwax. Ditto the metal... heat in the oven to 210 degrees, coat with microwax, buff -- never rusts. He gets $200 per gun to treat it.