I flat out didn't like the blonde wood, it just doesn't look right in my opinion.
Here's the before, next to my VZ:
Out came the industrial paint stripper and after a few applications using a brass wire brush the old finish was gone. Whatever China used, it was tough. I used an alcohol based deep red dye stain followed by Minwax Dark Walnut and 5 coats of Waterlox. I find the phenolic resin in the Waterlox gives wood a nice tone. I also threw on a bakelite AK grip for good measure.
Here's the after:
I dig it.
Here's the before, next to my VZ:
Out came the industrial paint stripper and after a few applications using a brass wire brush the old finish was gone. Whatever China used, it was tough. I used an alcohol based deep red dye stain followed by Minwax Dark Walnut and 5 coats of Waterlox. I find the phenolic resin in the Waterlox gives wood a nice tone. I also threw on a bakelite AK grip for good measure.
Here's the after:
I dig it.
It Looks Better For Sure 
