I want to put a classic stock on my VZ-24 Mauser 98. It appears to have been factory sporterized (ground receiver ring, drilled and tapped for scope bases, sporter profile barrel in .30-'06). I am reworking the (really awful) factory stock for a pattern and I have a black walnut stock blank (that's been air drying for around 30 years). I would like the duplicated stock to have an ebony forend tip (I've got the ebony), close grip (like the Reinhart Fajen Classic semi-inlets came with) and Pachmayr Decelerator pad installed. I can take it from there. With cast bullet loads, I'm expecting it will be fun to shoot.
In researching this project, it looks like much of the best work is done with Hoenig and Dakota duplicating machines and that the service can cost as much as a modest factory rifle (maybe $500 and up?), which is significantly more than I want to spend. I was seriously considering Richards Microfit Gun Stocks, but they won't respond to an email request (I have hearing problems), wouldn't talk directly to me on the phone (conversation relayed through receptionist) and a lot of customer complaints, so I'm looking for a different company/person to do the work.
Any suggestions? Thanks!