Help with a stock refinish

[a77ssii]

I picked up a Mini 14 that someone did a stain/varnish refinish on and I don't really like it. I have never done any woodworking at all, I work with metal. Should I use stripper on it or hand sand? What kind of finish should I do? I'm kinda stuck as to do a "proper" refinish or just Duracoat. The difficulty in a proper refinish is going to be the deciding factor. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[sticks]

You might want to take a look at this thread:

http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/showthread.php?t=62524

[a77ssii]

I had found that post in the search but somehow missed the response from you. Duh. It's about 2 pages long. Your comments answered it all. Thanks.