After seeing the updates here, I spent some time (a lot of time) digging around and ended up ordering a stock last night.
Just a basic piece of Maple with a 98 large ring inlet. I am not a huge fan of the style - high comb English Express - but the price that I paid was ridiculous (low, way low) because there is a little pocket of sap on the fore-end. Since I actually like a few defects, here and there, it's a win-win.
I figure there should be enough wood left on the 'express' side panels for me to do a little reshaping for more of an American look with a shadow-line cheek piece. If not... I'll dress them appropriately and just roll with it.
I really wanted to go for a Mannlicher-style build (and came across some fantastic black walnut stocks), but I had to bite the bullet and admit that I just don't have the skill for it, yet. Maybe on the next build.
Regardless... It'll be really nice to be working with a "soft" wood. I've been working with Knotty Screwbean Mesquite for the last year, and it's a beast. Hard. Unpredictable. Hard. Porous. Did I mention, hard? (Notably harder than even ebony.)
Terrible picture, but it's all I have to share for now:
Now, I
really need to get this barrel off to a 'smith to get the threads fixed. That's the only thing holding me back, besides humidity.