And... checkering end grain is not all that bad. Better than inletting it.

How did Parker (Meriden) handle balance? Remington?

I'll guess a higher and, more discriminating selection from a cache of materials set aside for each frame size? Barrel wall thickness, maybe?

Was there a particular method commonly used to fine tune balance, once assembly was completed and, prior to final finish?

They would drill out a round hoke and plug the end after and finish/checker over it.

I would speculate that the repro stocks were not bored out for balance, but more just for lightening.

Yeah, I've seen that on other makers guns.

"lightening" is probably more accurate. The question begs, do you ever happen upon anything installed in the machined-out pockets of Repro's (that would provide an indication of how much attention was actually given to balance, I would think)

Wow! All of this is worth the price of admission...er...membership. Live and learn. I just hope I have enough years left to get it all in.

I sure appreciate the expertise on this forum.