AZRebel, sorry for taking so long to answer. The primary reason that I chose to do any of it was that, A), Dad added a layer of linseed oil every year, a couple of weeks before hunting season. and B), the receiver was worn white at the "carry place". I could see gorgeous walnut under all that gummy crap. I got all the crap off the wood, and put on the first coat of polyurethane, sanded with 200 grit, and put on a second really thin coat. I could see a really faint, but pretty burl in the walnut. So I added another 30 light coats of polyurethane... sanding with 600 "wet or dry" sandpaper, wet, in between coats.
Do you remember the old Coca-Cola Santa Clause 3-D advertisements?... as you moved the ad, Santa went from holding the Coke bottle and smiling, to drinking the Coke? Well, having done the refinishing, the walnut grain does the same kind of thing.... it looks 30 feet deep, and "moves before your eyes" as you move the rifle a few degrees this way and that. If it was just "plain 'ol walnut", I'd never have taken the time. I did it because I both love and truly RESPECT the rifle, and my Dad.
Tell you what, the next time I go up to my Folk's house, I'll take a bunch of pics of the 'ol girl, and I'll learn what it takes to post a few pics for you to see. Actually, I'll post them, and see if I can send them to you, in the event that you don't visit this thread again.
32winspl