I must have missed something in this post.
Didn't you remove material to reshape the grip and forearm? To me I would expect you removed the outer "skin" epoxy of the stock and cut into the foam core" ?
If so, did you have to epoxy coat the core to give it strength before painting it?
I too am leary of reshaping a B&C stock similar to your build, and learn from your success.
Thanks
Allen