wow, you guys are rough...yep, I like the "long poke" even with my featherwieght...it is a hunting rifle and perfectly capable at taking game at 1/4 mile ( 7-08 ), half minute with the 140 bergers. As for the stock...well, think it's silly all you want, I don't want to paint that wood...maybe I'll restock it someday and then everything will be alright with the world.