RE: dope question
What you're refering to is called "plasticizing". Years ago, we used to add a few drops of castor oil to the dope to do this. Not sure, but I don't think you need to do that with today's dope. I never do and my doped finishes last for years. I think the oldest model I still have is like around 20 years old and I don't have any problems with the finsh (and I use Sig brand). Usually a doped finish will far outlast the life expectancy of the model (at least they have on mine).