Tim

If you are going to re-stock then go for a drop box, get this first so that your stocker can accomodate the profile into the stocking process. I have a left hand model 70 that has a blackburn box fitted mine is in .330 Dakota, a round based on the .404 case cut to 2.5" length, these boxes are excellent but can take many many months to materialise, the Sunny Hill are excellent to. I imagine you should get 4 in a drop box version, but check with them by e-mail prior to ordering, once you have your bottom metal you can then figure on the stocking, it is no point doing this the other way around as to cut a stock to final dimension and then find the box you get doesn't fit would make an expensive exercise.

I should think that with 4 rounds, plus possibly one in the chamber, the .404 would be just the ticket for the varmints you get up country!!

As for laminate being light, those I have seen have all made for heavy rifles. Again once you have selected you bottom metal it may be worth dropping McMillan a line to see what they can do for you on a left hand Model 70 safari stock. Even with this stock a little fitting will be in order, although sometimes described as "drop in" they usually require bedding, barrel channel opening out and even pillar bedding. a good rifle smith wil sort this no problem and you should end up with a very practical and tough rifle.

As for parkerising, with the climate you have it would make good sense, alternatively you could try a guncote finish, even in green or other cammo pattern, not very traditional but practical.

hope this helps

regards

jonathan