So my question is
I have an old 30/30 model 94 winchester that's been in my family for years.. It hasn't worked for probably 5 years.. Well my dad gave it to me to fix it up and get it working so he could use it to go hunting with.

Since I have a laser engraver and I'm getting all the metal parts refinished I thought that it would be cool to engrave the stock of the gun..

I've never done finished wood before so my question is should I sand all the finish off before I try to engrave it then refinish it or would it be ok to engrave it and just lightly sand and refinish..

Thanks for the help in advance..