One additional suggestion: inspect the stock very closely for earlier repairs. I just had a stock bent (straight-grained wood with a half hand grip that was bent less than 1/2") and an invisibly repaired crack appeared in the head. Fortunately, it was relatively small and will be easily repaired, but it was a reminder that bending can present surprises.

Last edited by Doverham; 01/16/13 12:23 PM.
Such a long, long time to be gone, and a short time to be there.