Brad,
I have in my posession a Montaa that had a a lot of material removed to fit a larger barrel, the barrel channel went all the way through, the length of the stock. The stock is still stiff as a board. I'm not a structural engineer, but fairly certain that's not possible with a true structure.
Perhaps your sources are misinformed.
David
David, I think you're misunderstanding.
I'm agreeing with Jeff that the stock is indeed of monocoque construction as it leaves the plant in Costa Rica. You were disagreeing with that statement, at least in terms of how I understand the English language.
Beyond that, I'm not debating anything. I've never opened one up, though I don't see why it would hurt as long as the barrel channel is re-glassed.