Old Winchester wood stock

[KBP75]

My newest 32 Special Winchester Model 94 from 1953 has been coated with shiny varnish by the former owner. Since the wood already has been "refinished" I would like to try to restore it to as close to its factory wood finish as possible. I have "Tru-Oil" to do this. My question is would using a stripper first be best or just a light sanding to remove the shiny coat of varnish. I hate to touch it but it looks so unnatural for the rifle. The varnish coating is not even a good job. Am I making a mistake?

 

[dahermit]

Rub it with 0000 steel wool. It will remove all the surface varnish and dull the filled pores and result in the look you desire without adding any more finish.