Bleach Wood or Stain

[bouncer50]

I bought a brand new stock for my 1903 Springfield but with no top wood. The stock is a very light color walnut. The top hand guard i found is very dark walnut. My question is do i try to bleach the top wood or stain the stock to match the top wood.? I would like them to match. I would like some advice i am more of a metal man then a wood man.

[Eldon]

1. strip all old finishes (RTFI)
2. use Brownell's whiting to pull all old oil from wood
3. clean w/acetone
4. bleach wood with this (other stuff is garbage) https://www.woodcraft.com/products/zinsser-wood-bleach-16oz
5. if you want "old red look" get this: http://customgunandrifle.com/products/ground-alkenet-root RTFI
6. these are also the best other stains: https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/water-based-wood-stains-dye-stains
7. final finishes: this will give you the original oiled look: https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/exterior-finishes/outdoor-oil#.WYqQT3eGPow this will give you a bit more shine: https://www.formbys.com/products/tung_oil/

This is my 03A4 "tribute" done with in WWII/Vietnam style General brand red/brown stain and Formby's tung oil.

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