Damn, now I wish I would have picked it up and handled it. When I saw the price tag ($999.00 I believe) I passed on it since I already have a nice pre 64 model 70 375 H&H. It looked like a very nice rifle and I was standing right next to it on Saturday
. To answer you question about the stock, in passing and glancing it really looked like a custom synthetic stock. I'm surprised it's a painted wood stock. Could have fooled me
Now for my best piece of advice concerning the m1917 and related rifles (BSA MODEL D and E, Remington 30, Remington 720): Make sure it has an ejector that looks like this:
You'll also want a good trigger in it like a Timney. Both of these mods are extremely easy to do and make a world of difference in reliability and function.