Thanks, guys. Actually, that is the natural grain. I ordered a plain stocked maple, as from my research I found that the majority of Hawkens were stocked like that, but Don sent this one to my builder. If I recall correctly, he sent the higher grade stock because it took awhile for him to place the order (I think it may have slipped his mind) and he felt bad about the delay.
It's gorgeous wood! Definitely a rifle to be proud of.
