Finishing the stock

[andy49]

What is the typical finishing process for a stock? Are all the inletted items like butt caps, side plate, lock, trigger guard, etc, in place for the final finish to tighten up the wood around the inlets or are these installed after the stock is finished?
Andy

[Stuartg]

For the finishing process, I remove all the "hardware." Then whisker the stock by applying water then using a hair dryer to raise the grain. Once the grain is raised, I like to take a glass slide (like the ones you used in science class) and gently shave of the fuzz. Some folks take fine grit sand paper to it instead of the glass slide - try both and see what works best for you. After I've done this several times, usually until the stock is nice and smooth, I then move to staining and applying the finish. After you've put several coats of finish on, then I put all the hardware back on...carefully.

[E.vonAschwege]

I apply my first sealer coat with everything off the gun.  Inside all the inlets, especially end grain.  Then I put the hardware back on carefully and complete the rest of the finishing process.  This way I don't muck up the careful inletting and I have only to wipe the excess finish off of the hardware.  I might do it differently for different finishes; oil vs. varnish, etc. 
-Eric

[mjm46@bellsouth.net]

I also replace the hardware after the initial sealer coat of finish. Finish will build up in the corners of inlets and really mess up the fits. Easier to remove finish from metal parts than trying to get your inlets fixed.

[Virginiarifleman]

Remove the Hardware, other wise its like Mowing the front lawn AFTER your wife plants 10 or 15 little flower gardens in it.

[kaintuck]

For the finishing process, I remove all the "hardware." Then whisker the stock by applying water then using a hair dryer to raise the grain. Once the grain is raised, I like to take a glass slide (like the ones you used in science class) and gently shave of the fuzz. Some folks take fine grit sand paper to it instead of the glass slide - try both and see what works best for you. After I've done this several times, usually until the stock is nice and smooth, I then move to staining and applying the finish. After you've put several coats of finish on, then I put all the hardware back on...carefully.

same here.................marc n tomtom