My two Braztech 357mag Rossis are 2009 models so they have the medium brown stain on the stocks rather than the much darker stain they used earlier. Both the rifle and carbine looked dull and drab so I decided I had to do something with the wood. Rather than strip off the old finish and applying a new stain and oil, I figured I give a shot at just adding a stain and satin finish right over the top of the existing finish.
After cleaning the stocks to remove oils and any dirt, I applied one coat of WATCO Danish Oil, Medium Walnut to them. I didn't take them apart (I did remove the front barrel band on the carbine and the front cap on the rifle.), I just taped off the metal and applied it per the directions. That way I could hold the actions and barrels to apply the oil and then stand them up to let them dry.
I think the results are fantastic as the WATCO oil gave them a richer color, a nice depth, and highlighted the grain as well as adding a bit of satin shine.
Before - Decent wood but it just sort of laid there with no pizzazz or pop:
Closeups - Not bad, just not exciting:
After a single coat of WATCO oil. Both of them look 1000% better to me now:
Closeups - Now they've got some sass and pop:
I especially like how the stock color brought out the case hardening on my rifle version. Both of them look sharper and brighter with a more expensive look:
The only downside is WATCO takes about 1 week to dry but that's a small price to pay for the result I got.