My concern with the stock finish is that it looks like someone varnished it in the past, and the varnish surface is mottled, almost like moisture pentetrated the finish and popped it off in some places. They slopped the varnish over the metal bands, and on the barrel. Also, it must have been in a room that was painted, because there are small spots of white paint on the stock. I have attached some photos I took a day or so ago. Did the US military varnish the rifles when they were received from Canadaicon? If so, I think leaving it alone is best, that is just the way the rifle is aging, and it does not affect shooting. I'm told by some of my finish carpenter friends that applying oil over a varnish finish is not good. Any thoughts after looking at the photos.