I am sure many members will chime in to this thread - stock finishes are a matter of great debate on this forum and have been since its inception.
Early and mid war stocks usually had a factory stain and then soldiers would oil their stocks. Ballistol (original recipe) is one of the most accurate and historically correct oils that someone can use. It works on wood, metal and leather and is environmentally friendly - you could even take a shot of the stuff or use it to treat dogs paws.
In the field, troops likely used whatever was available from linseed oil, sunflower oil and likely even motor oil.
Late war stocks generally came 'unfinished' with no stain and no oil and often had chatter marks.
Fox-Military makes some of the best reproduction stocks out there. He uses linseed oil and wax and the end result on a reproduction stock is pretty good and accurate and certainly looks the part. Make sure you get raw linseed oil and not the stuff with polymers added - you may need to go to a proper wood working store etc.
Many members have their own special mix and recipes and I will wait for the flood gates to open.
I think this was a fair starting point.
