All of the checkering has the same finish as the rest of the stock.  The first application is diluted 1 to 2 finish to Mineral Spirits and brushed into the checkering.  Dries 24 hours and then done again.  The third application is a 1 to 1 mix and allowed to dry.

I am not sure why the checkering looks so much lighter than the rest of the stock.  It could be the direct lighting.  I notice that the flat of the stock around the action is light also.  The second thing that might make the checkering look lighter is the 24 lines to the inch.  It may even be finer than that.  I don't remember.  

The customer provided the barrel action.  It was from a Mod 70 that his dad gave him years earlier.  I think it was his first rifle.  For Alaska, the 35 Wheeling would have been a better choice.  

Frank