What stain and finish would you recommend for a first time builder?

Iron nitrate stain, because it is traditional, does not fade, and gives a strong even color. For finish, Kibler's Gunstock Sealer and Finish is the easier place to start. It dries faster than Tried & True Varnish Oil and you are not waiting as long between coats. Tried & True is a more traditional linseed oil based finish that takes longer to dry and needs sunlight to cure well.