Whetrock, I used 1 coat of Magic Maple Stain and let it dry for a few hours and 0000 steel wooled it back, then I put on 1 coat full strength of LMF maple stain. I let everything dry over night and 0000 steel wooled it back just enough to smooth out the finish. For the sealer coat I have been using for many years Thompson's water seal and keep the woos soaked for about 2 hours. I then wipe it down and let it set for 2 or 3 days. The top coat is 5 coats of tung oil. May not be what most use but I have never had a problem using the water seal on my rifles.
Jim