Stock Finish

[usabaker]

I find it hard to believe that real Tung Oil will in any way hurt a carbine stock (although I am essentially a novice).

It's not so much the oil that will "hurt" the stock, it's using a chemical finish remover and sandpaper that does that. The oils are different in appearance a raw linseed oil "shine" will be more subdued than Tung or BLO (unless Tung and BLO are made satin with steel wool or rottenstone) and less resistant to the elements unless many coats are put on.