Refinishing a SKS stock

[Magnumload]

I have a Chinese SKS made in 1973 by Norinco at factory 906. It is Catalpa wood. I am wanting to sand and refinish the wood, probably tung oil finish, and thinking of checkering it. Any opions on whether I should or not?

[carls sks]

hi ML,  good to have you here. if it was all original, I wouldn't do anything to it. there  only this way once. if not, do what ever makes you happy.

[Justin Hell]

I too would leave it alone, the /906\ has an odd variation in the magazine other SKSs don't...does yours have a crease that almost looks like a dent in the bottom?

[Loose}{Cannon]

I fixed your poll to have options yes/no....... Dunno why you had them as 4/4

I would get a different chinese wood stock to mess with and leave the original alone.   

[BARNAUL]

   Canada Eh!
                               Anyhow, on our refurbed. letter guns (I like)  after taking them out of the boxes, I wash the metal in very hot water and sunlife dishsoap....then,except for bolt and piston, do a light oiling. This removes the COSMO.....I shoot black powder so its no big deal to use soap and water...
          The stock gets warm water and soap,scrubbed with a stiff brush.  Cleans off all the cosmoline ...I then use a bit of ''MOTHERS MAG WHEEL POLISH'' on the stocks varnish/Russian shelack.   It puts a fantastic shine on the SKS ,making the gun look BETTER than new WITHOUT changing any finish.  I get asked at the range,WOW ,where did you buy that one??? 

[Magnumload]

I'm new here so trying to use to maneuvering around site, guess that's why I had 4/4 as an option. As far as I can tell rifle is all original except for bolt cover. It is aftermarket one piece see thru scope rail. The rest of the rifle has the asme ser# stamped on it as bolt does. I would have to look at factory magazine to see if it has a dent. Right now it is set up for 30 round detachable magazine from Pro Mag.