One of the problems with oil finishes is that often people try to use 
them as paint.  They are meant to be wiped on, and then sit a bit.
  Then rubbed down hard.
When any of them are applied too thick, and left like that, they will 
never really harden.

   Fortunately since they are not hard, paint thinner and gusto usually 
will take it back off.

   I have no ground to stand on here.
I once slathered a guitar with linseed oil all thick and sparkly, and 
then put it into a case.
A case lined with faux fur.

I had to pry/horse it back out of there when I went back to it in a few 
weeks.

   You can imagine a bright yellow fur covered guitar and you would not 
be wrong.
   Man I had to rub that thing back out!
I mentioned gusto right? hahaahhaah

  At worst a few minutes close contact with a scraper. ;)

I wouldn't use shellac on a field firearm. Its not very durable in the 
wet and tumble. I'd go with marine spar varnish for myself.
  I realize not everyone can see down the road and would want a more 
"braggably" popular finish.
      yours scott

-- 
*******************************
    Scott Grandstaff
    Box 409 Happy Camp, Ca  96039
    scottg@s...
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/sgrandstaff/
    http://www.snowcrest.net/kitty/hpages/index.html