Stock on my gun is def birch, very light stain....initially, the W models had laminated stocks, dark stain...still a bit of a mystery, what the W stands for. I may have a go at putting a darker stain on my W model. Woodwork is coated with "Marshield"
which is some form of matte varnish...

The W model is not a thing of beauty....as long as it shoots well I am not bothered. Just love the cartridge...

amc577