Hello,

I have not been on the forum for awhile but soon will get a CPA build on my 44 1/2 action as "sanded" so I can adjust the Pope cheek to fit me. Since I have never seen wood in the "sanded" condition I was wondering how much detail work that needs to be done and a detail on how to finish it including recommended finishes.

Thank you for your time,
Charles

As packet stated, make certain the wood is well sanded and smooth before you even think about a finish.  
Sand with the grain.  If you cross sand the stock the scratches will be extremely noticeable when the finish hits it. I might add that you can use a sanding block to back the sandpaper to maintain a more uniform surface finish and help eliminate uneven surfaces.

If you use steel wool of any #, use a tack cloth on the wood and wait 4-5 weeks if Tru-Oil has been applied.

Kidding.

Make certain the oil has really dried before using steel wool. Read about this in a book somewhere

I grew up with my Dad using steel wool then mixture of pumice and linseed oil in a polishing pad made from old T shirts for final sanding.

Recently I have switched to very fine sandpaper’s from Klingspors . Grits in small increments from 600 to 2000 key is the intermediate steps. 400 then 500 before 600.  220 to 360 then 400.  I think there are 10 grits 400 to 2000. 

It’s a method I learned at the turners club. Each step very brief dust off then move on to the next grit. Final finish with Mylands  Friction polish. It’s wax based very thin rubs out nice. Mylands also sells a wood filer, again very thin. Introduce it about 400-600 grit and only if needed.  Some Walnut needs it more than others 

Woodcraft supply sells Klingspor paper but they skip the intermediate grits. Best order direct. (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

Fast & effective, it’s furniture manufacturers standard paper. 

Boats

all good advice on this topic, but suggest trip to the range with sites.

first zero sights and this might be difficult, on unsanded stocks, the wood is likely too high, sanded might be much better, but still each shooter needs to adjsut the comb height to suit themselves, then follow finishing procedures.