Refinshing a Stock (PSL specific)

[b.faust]

I've done a bit of wood work and staining in my youth, but I've never refinished a gun stock.
So I'm looking for a little advice.
I just got this in today.


I'd like to refinish the stock similar to this fellows:



I've read about people using varnish remover, but I'm a little concerned about what it might do to the wood. Should I just sand it instead?
And then once I've applied the stain, then what? I don't want to lay a shiny layer of varnish back on again. Tru-Oil?

And finally I have this to deal with.


I need to figure out how to get the wood guard off this gas tube without breaking or messing up one or the other.
This is why I'm thinking of sanding vs chemical stripping. Might be easier to deal with.
Thoughts?

Thanks, and sorry for the long post.
B.

[69Mach1]

Removal of the top handguard wood is just like that of a regular AK. You might even be able to twist it off by hand.

http://www.ak-47.net/ak47/gastubed.html

[Sailormilan2]

CitriStripper should work to remove the varnish, or whatever finish is on it, without harming the wood. CitriStripper is a furniture stripper, so is safe for use on wood, and will not harm the metal finish too. At least, not the parkerized finishes I have worked with.

[b.faust]

Thanks guys!