Stock finishes on antique guns

[Cheyenne Ranger]

Purchased my Win 97 over the internet.  Not a bad deal.  BUT, the stock and forearm had been coated with a clear finish that left them un-naturally shiny.  Was starting to sand it down and was getting a gummy build-up on the sandpaper.  Decided to try to cut some of the build-up with alcohol and low and behold the alcohol cut right through it.  Took several alcohol washes and rubbings afterwards to get it all off but now it has more of a warm mat look.  Much more like you find on a gun stock rather than a old desk or chair.  
Don't know if the seller did this or one of the owners of the 97 down the line.  Not complaining as it took 20 minutes and it's all done.  Might give it a coat of Tru-Oil after a few days (to let any finish I missed fully dry out).

[ButlerFord45]

Glad ya got by on the cheap.  For future reference, Formby's makes pretty good products that are wood safe.  I think even Wal Mart carries it.  I'd have to agree with oil of come type, don't want to leave the wood unprotected to the elements, and alcohol has the effect of drying the surface.  I'm a firm believer in boiled linseed oil, beautiful finish without the shine.

[Cheyenne Ranger]

Figure I would give it some time to dry out from whatever was on it and then give it some kind of protective coat.  Like boiling linseed or Tru-Oil of the like.  Guess whoever did put it on in the first place figured it made it look "better."