Picky picky picky. You and Brian are probably correct, that the stock may be a replacement. I think it's entirely possible that two stockmakers in the factory, on the same day, could finish stocks with similar differences.
The only spot I could agree the wood-to-metal fit isn't as good as it could be is the end of the trigger guard.
The other minute differences, in checkering, are unique embellishments, but I think they are in no way inferior to factory work. The waist of the drop points are ever so slightly larger than Meriden guns, but unless one was to put two guns sided by side, it's hardly a point of note.
Lots of people make a fuss about Bernard barrels, and certainly they are much less common, but I'm not embarrassed to say, I don't like the pattern as much as high grade damascus steel.
The grip cap is very classy.
Skeleton butt plates are much more pleasing to my eye than hunks of rubber.
Comparing the subject gun to another CH of similar period,
https://www.gunsinternational.com/gu...101253769#md-5
I think that Im not alone in liking the subject gun more.