Unfinished laminate grips. What to use to stain

I bought what appears (and advertised) as unfinished laminate grips. I enjoy buying beat up and unfinished wood grips and bringing them to life. Typically use a typical Miniwax stain (yellow can) and Tung Oil for shine.

I have never done laminate before. I was under the impression that laminate was the same color all the way through, but these look like un-stained hardwood.

Here is a crappy cellphone pic




My question is can I stain them?
Should I use a different type if stain (gel? Water based ?)
Anyone have any suggestions on color? I think I might want to go with the silver/black finish I see on lots of laminates or maybe the rosewood?

I have some of miniwax Jacobean which I think might give it a good dark color but probably not the silver black I am looking for. Here is what I have now

Well the grips arrived last week and I have done some work on them. The first pics I posted were from the internet when I bought them. They were described as unfinished laminated (and look like it to me) but when they arrived I am not so sure. They did not buff to a shine or glass like finish. they were rough and would give you splinters. I assume they are just wood.

All is well though. I sanded and shaped the rough edges. And stained them with one coat "Brazilian Rosewood Gel Stain" It wasn't quit as red as I wanted so I applied a second coat of "Merlot" stain. Finished with 2 coats of Tung Oil for shine. It turned out the red tint I was looking for.

All in All I am happy. They were dirt cheap and give my S&W 422 a unique look. They fit well in the hand. A little thicker than the factory plastic ones, but fits my hand better