These were not unusually expeensive rifles and the standard finish at the time was likely a lacquer.. Sprayed on they are fairly water proof and reasonably priced. They are easy to remove via several methods. I use a propane torch to heat them a bit and simply scrape them off the stock. A light sanding(220 grit on a stock with no defects) will clean up any remaining finish and prepare for a factory level of finish. Finer grits and steel wool should be used for a custom level finish. For a scraper I prefer an OldHickory butcher knife with a thick heavy blade. Be very cautious to not scortch the wood as this is hard to remove. If the finish has 'crazed' as is sounds as if yours has, it can be simply scraped of without the use of any heat.. Go slow, use a sharp knife, remove only the finiish (no wood) and sand as little as possible. You don't want to change ANY contours, shapes or lines. Sand with a block or hard, contoured backer.
