banzaibird

OK, understand which way now.

I think you might find that that's standard practice
for a new gun as it allows a refinish of the wood
(in many years to come) while still allowing the
wood to be level with the wood.

English guns often have it - particularly in days gone
by - I can't say for sure as to present style.

If the wood was dead level with the metal from day one,
if it became dented, scratched etc and the wood was
refinished, the wood would end up lower than the metal.

But then again, at the price they turn out some of these
low end guns now, you have to ask would it be worth it !!!

500 Nitro