I've never really liked the look of forged over bolts. They always seem short and flat-stemmed in my, admittedly limited, experience. It's bent like a 98k bolt now (honestly might be a 98k bolt...) so I'll leave it alone for now.
The holes are a good question. My best guess is that someone previously pressed the tip of the firing pin into the stock to disassemble the bolt
I'm defiantly going with a reputable smith when it comes time for coating. I like the look of that graphite black.
As for the stock, plan right now is a Richards Microfit safari classic. I want a comb low enough to put me in line with iron sights. I've heard their "semi inletted" stocks require a lot of final in letting work, but I'm moving to Alaska and need a winter project.
