Chief, I can't argue with what you've said about gun specs being influenced mostly by what maker's think the "average" user would want. 100 years ago a 14" LOP fit most folks, now it does not.
Stocks can be bent to fit and LOP extended without risking the integrity of the stock. But trimming down a wrist section might cause a bad break in a tough place to fix. Most of the 'thick' wristed guns I've had have been built with through-stock bolts. The loss of wood caused by the hole for the bolt must be compensated for somehow...Geo
