Thanks, boys.
It's a Chinese Norinco 56, BTW.
So, doing any of the suggested, the bonding agent(s) will take on the stain?
.
I know, it's not like it's a collector's piece...just am into this and want it to look good.
The original finish looked orange-ish and as if it was painted on w/a broom.

All clumpy and full of debris.
But damn!, now that it's stripped, this stock is virgin.
I'll proceed.
.