Tim,
In for a penny.....
It occurs to me that you have been struggling to make this combination work, on several different levels, for a long time. A butt transplant would be a waste of time and more capital, methinks, and I only see one true solution. Show up at Geoffroy's shop, be measured, and get the damn thing restocked to fit. Pick the treatment you want on the stock, which sling, if any (I'm partial to the original Darne sling that doesn't use swivels, but, several different versions are available) and do it up.
Yes it will cost money, and take time. The question is, do you want it right, or not? I shoot a lowly R10 in 12 that I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with, before the restock. Now, well, things are different. The gun just fits.
If the answer is no, or, worse yet, 'kinda, do yourself a favor and sell it now. It won't be cheaper five years hence to do this work, and if you want a Darne, the whole key is having the gun fit. Tough to do on a used gun.
Tell us what happens. Good Luck.
Best,
Ted
