Although fun to shoot, it is kinda ugly with the black synthetic stock. After talking to Erwin at Deer Creek Products, ordered the wood stock on Monday - arrived Wednesday via FedEx. Couldn't wait any longer, so I swapped everything out . . .

I'm very pleased with the color and grain - looks a lot more traditional. However, a few minor issues showed up:

1. The wedge pin from the original stock is way too loose - it will actually fall out if the gun is turned on its side. It's also a little short - does not go all the way through and engage the opposite wedge plate (I could solve this by inletting the wedge plates). I'm not even going to shoot it untill I take care of this.

2. The ram rod does not seem to me to be very secure in the stock itself. Not sure yet how to deal with that.

Overall, I'm very pleased with what DCP sent me, and I took the time to call them and let them know.

Thinking of swapping out the black wedge plates and buttstockwith brass. Thought about a brass nose cap as well, but not sure what that will involve. Another thing that I will be doing is changing the sights - the ones on there now are kinda hard to use with these ol' tired eyes.

Well, I guess while I try to figure out the wedgepin issue, I'll go ahead and reblue the barrel.

Any suggestions and/or input will be appreciated. I'm approaching this project as a lead-in for when I tackle a Lyman Hawkins or Traditions Kentucky kit (can't make up my mind which one to do).