Bramble,

No apology needed. I purposefully kept my relationship to the rifle obscure in order to promote frank comments.

I don't understand why someone would go to the expense of having a beautifully designed rifle built and then skimp on the quality of the wood. However, it is residing in the cabinet among my Griffin & Howes, and so far I haven't heard a murmur of disdain from any of them.

Also, if the rifle had had a gorgeous stock on it, I probably couldn't have afforded it.