Lee440, I've re-stocked them either way. I think rifles restocked with no cut-off not only look better but are nicer to handle without the cut-off projecting out into space. On a serious hunting rifle I wouldn't want the damn thing potentially interfering with function anyway.

There is no real need to fill the slot if the mag cut-off is removed. As you suggest the wood is simply bought up higher to cover the slot and maintain the one "top deck" line on the RHS action area.

If you keep the cut-off it's not like it can be converted back later on. However, they look like a bucket full of bush oysters when the forend has been inlet for the cut-off, but with the mag cut-off subsequently removed.

It seems to me they ditched the cut-off on most if not all 375's. I'm surprised the sporting 303's got them.