Wood stock options?

[Toivo]

My buddy just picked up a NICE Mauser in .308 with a (maybe) custom thumbhole stock. He wants to taticool it out, and doesn't like the stocks he's been finding. Is there an option he can do to the stock, IE paint, undercoat, etc to make it black and durable/tactical looking?

[Made_in_Michigan]

Not sure about tactical, but if I were wanting to do this...

I would strip the stock, and utilize some heavy black walnut stain, maybe multiple coats, and then do several coats of clear over top for a black/gloss finish. You could hand rub the finish to create a satin/dull finish but wouldn't be as pretty :)

[Toivo]

Do you think the wood grain will still be visible?

[Made_in_Michigan]

Do you think the wood grain will still be visible?

It would be, yes.
http://www.jpersing.com/pics/stains/stains_lg/black_stain.jpg

here is an image of black stain on oak(or ash).

[Toivo]

Not bad at all, Ill give it a go this weekend. Thanks!

[Made_in_Michigan]

Not bad at all, Ill give it a go this weekend. Thanks!

Don't forget to take before/after pics! (and then post them for our enjoyment)