Howard,
After reading over this post again and looking at the pictures, I saw another big advbantage to your using the AYA over the Simson. The Simsons and lots of other German Suhl guns have what is called a scolloped or fancy back on them, they look nice but most of the ones I have seen are either cracked already or like would be cracked if you built a heavy recoiling rifle on them. From a stockmakers veiwpoint, the straight back on the AYA will soak up alot more recoil and stay together. Also, if it ever has to be restocked the straight backed type are much easier to deal with. Bob