Quote Originally Posted by air-tech View Post
Not sure but seems to be black anyway on most, you may have difficulty to get it out, so leave it in. I think you have a (relatively) later model, with pressed "inverted diamonds" i.e. rather than raised they are sunken. Perhaps this is why you think the chequering is worn?

I think you should not stain the stock, keep it original - lacquer it.
I like a mat type finish, if you recommend not staining, would you suggest just to use true oil as i do not like lacquer.

Danny