I have noticed over the last 20=30 odd years that one of the cost cutting points on rifles at the low end of the spectrum (or higher level firearms where there is a need to cut cost) is the stock. As I mentioned in a previous thread I bought a new Marlin 1894 (Remlin.) After a rough start the fit and finish of the Remington Marlins has gotten better. I am quite pleased with the rifle EXCEPT the stock was the closest thing to raw wood you could find without no finish at all. The walnut stock was smooth enough but they might have sprayed a little oil on it. I fixed that with two coats of boiled linseed oil and it looks good now. After refinishing the stock, though it became apparent that the stock and forend don't match, something that didn't happen on old Marlins. A minor issue but still an issue if you're as old school as me.
15 odd years ago I bought a WASR 10 I am quite happy with except the laminated stock was completely unfinished. Again a little elbow grease and some BLO fixed it.
Has anyone else run into this problem????