An embedded rod or tube probably won't do as much for stiffening as will a layer of CF on the barrel channel (forming itself into a channel). But that would tend to cause problems when the wood shrinks and swells, while the CF does not.
"There's more to optics than meets the eye."--anon
"...most of us would be better off losing half a pound around the waist than half a pound on our rifle."--dhg
