I use Pilkingtons Spirit stains, available at Brownells. I use TruOil and a wipe on poly that I bought at WalMart.. I've had some luck with the Formby's tung oil finish but it dries quite hard and is a bit britle for a gunstock. If you want to buy at a local store, be cetain to use spirit stains. They aren't as likely to cloud the grain of the wood, also they won't raise the graion as will water based stains. Stay well clear of sealer/stains as they hide the wood... As to metal there is nothing I've found short of a professional blue that comes even close to what you can get from OphoBlue. It's found at Brownells and I prefer the liquid although it is available in a creame also. Follow the directions and it'll create a really nice blue on steel and it's durable too..
