That make the question beg, "best" for what?? Shotgun going to a Duck Blind, Bench Rest never out in the rain, Deer Hunter out in the woods and brush, Elk rifle, riding in a saddle scabbard, Wall Hanger?? Historically correct restoration?? "Best" get very complicated.
We could get a pretty good Brouhaha going here. The main problem, "most" don't have a clue what different finish mediums do or don't do. Humongous number of "Old Wives Tails," based on actual ignorance generated by "information" not based on actual skill or
knowledge of "finishing." Just something that has been repeated so much by so many, it becomes revered as "fact." Fact even though
it may have no relationship to reality.
Delmonico is right on the money. Most folks today have no clue what was actually used in those halcyon days of yesteryear. Most, also
don't have a clue as to what type of application provides actual protection for the wood. That which is ascetically pleasing to some, may
actually provide almost no protection for your valued wood.
Coffinmaker