I concurr, Stan-- the older Winchesters were advertised, at least in my 1938 Salesman Catalog- as having the stock wood "Proud of the Steel" aprox. 1/16"- one of the many ways to determine either a re-stock or a wood refinish is if the stock wood (and including the forearm on the M21 and M24 doubleguns- is flush with the steel.
My late Dad's 12 M21 field grade was built in 1940- he accquired it used in 1948-gave it to me in 1980-- It has been shot but well cared for- The gold plated trigger selector button in the blade still shows the gold plating, albiet with wear. The M21 shown in this posting shows a silvery-grey selector button. ???? RWTF
