Interesting. I have the Hogue pillar bed stock on my Vanguard and have never liked how flexy the forend is. I hogged the barrel channel out until I had about 1/8" of clearance all the way around so it wouldn't touch the barrel if I was leaning against a tree or resting it in an akward position. I have wondered if using bedding compound would stiffen it up enough. I can't leave anything alone either. I ordered the Timney trigger when I ordered the stock, and it's worth every penny. Also, removing the recoil pad and filling the stock with silicon or spray foam gets rid of the hollow sound. Nice rifle !