Hate to think about grouse hunting. My favorite spot in years past is now a subdivision. [:@]
I really like the NewEnglander. I did replace the factory bead with a fiber-optic bead, and use a tang "ghost ring" sight for turkey hunting. Makes it easier to keep the patterns centered with a deliberate aimwhen I don't shoot the gun very often. For most shooting I never even notice the "ghost ring", the NewEnglander synthetic stock fits me well.
Looks like you have a good hunting partner there! Bet he's not spoiled, either.