FWIW, LSI has Howa Walnut Hunter rifles in SS and blued, even walnut-stocked Minis in the online catalog. I’ve seen the SS models on GB. All is not lost.
This year I’ve picked up two nice classics, a very fancy FN custom for $799, and a very light Heym .308 on a military-style 98 action for $695. They both will get out and hunt when it’s their turn, but there are a few synthetic-stocked ones at the head of the que.
