I read online somewhere that it is not good to put stain, polyurethane, or oil (linseed, etc.) on the inside of the handguards. Is this true? Will these products melt of from barrel heat? Sorry, not a wood finish expert and dont bumpfire, but barrel does get hot.

There's a couple stain spots on the inside of my hand guards from lack of drip-control, but it doesn't look like its melted. Still I wouldn't stain and poly the inside, but that's just me. I'm no wood expert either

after i sand the furniture on any firearm i stain all of its surfaces to seal out moisture. have also put polyuothane on the same and have never had a problem with it burning off. i have also noticed that finishes are not applied on the inside surfaces of any ak. mostly just oil stain. Im thinking they just put these together fast threw on the exterior paint and just never felt the need add the extra laber and materials to do the under side. these are weapons for war and are not going to your local gun store. just my 2cents

You guys ever think about the crazy urban legend mysticism we gun guys believe in? I mean seriously.... it's like a hoodoo voodoo witch doctor telling us
that we should avoid some demon plant or else it will conjur boo-coo bad joo joo... haha

WTF... Stain...shellac....tung oil....linseed oil they are all SEALANTS and preservatives for wood. They keep the bad juju from destroying your wood.

Look at a milsurp rifle's wood sometime. They are ALWAYS sealed/stained on EVERY side. Why would you ever not seal one side?