I'm not fond of laminated stocks, guess I'm a traditionalist, I know they're stronger. As for the barrel band, CZ wanted $200 for it, guess I didn't really understand the utility of it so I didn't go for it. I passed on a lovely CZ American Safari 416 Rigby that had been gone over extensively by a gunsmith that sold for $2000.00 Didn't want to jump up right away to that recoil level. I've never been "recoil sensitive" but I've never shot a .400 or larger big game rifle either. I hear they can change your attitude ...

Chuck