When I was doing this, I had no thought of grain pattern for two reasons. One is that I have never done this before and just didn't consider it. I'm not a wood craftsman to any degree. First time for this kind of job. Second is that I am adding layers of linseed oil and other coatings of grease and oil to fill up the grain like most of my other Krags that will do as you point out to make it dark and "varnished" and not have the grain visible.

If it was easy, I would do it all over again and watch that. But, the end result will be much better than it was!

Thanks for the critique.