Setterguy,

Keep up the good work.

It's great to see the shape of the action evolve as the speeds and feeds are refined.

Perhaps the cure for your overweight .45/70 is a rechamber to 450 3 1/4 NE or .450/500 that'd get the weight "about" right. Build yourself a 9lb .45/70 next time.

If you're worried about the pistol grip being too thin perhaps extended tangs may allow you to have strength in this area but be svelt enough to maintain feel.

Beavertail forends are alright on guns that get shot enough to get "hot to handle" in the front hand but are you ever likely to be shooting "driven elephant" ??? I shoot Sporting clays with a splinter forended sxs and it'll get uncomfortably hot to hang onto. Some say a gloved front hand will do the same thing. Otherwise it's just an individual's opinion of fit and feel.......unless you want weight forward.

To end up with a gun of correct weight for calibre, great balance and feel and dynamic handling is all a "balancing act" ..........pun only half intended.

Just my "two bits" worth. Remember "Free advice is usually worth everything you gave for it!!!!"

Great project. Thanks for posting. Keep us in the loop.