Personally, I'd cut and crown to 23" in a heart beat, from 26" to 23" you'll lose about 90 fps. Big deal, and it'll handle/balance a lot nicer (at least by my way of thinking).
And I'd think about a new handle for it if it has factory wood on it. Something that would be 28 oz or less would feel well to this kid.
Best of luck to ya!
Dober
Right now it wears a factory Synthetic Stock and weighs exactly 7 lbs for the bare rifle wearing a set of weaver scope bases.
