I wouldn’t worry if it was forward of midway on a 26” gun

Just some clarification on what the research letter says concerning weight. If the stock book is available and the weight can be read, that's the weight I put on the letter. The stock book lists the weight in pounds and ounces. If the stock book is missing but the weight is there in the order book, I put that in the letter. Sometimes the requested weight is not there so I don't include the weight in the letter. If it's listed in the order book sometimes it will say, for instance 7 1/2 pounds. They don't show ounces so it could be 7 1/2 pounds + or -. Sometimes the order book might say 7 to 7 1/2 pounds so that's what I put in the letter. If the weight comes from the order book without the stock book, I say "requested weight" because you never know what the finished weight will be.

Clear?

Obviously the barrels aren't mint since reblueing is required. With that in mind if the barrels have deep pits or severe dents you can easily remove 001-.002" or more when you prep the barrels by sanding to begin the bluing process.

I have a moisture meter and check wood in my basement shop before turning on the lathe. Shop is fan vented summer, no AC small gas heater winter. Take off Walnut Stock from 1903 Springfield something I check to confirm the meter Is working properly. . Moisture content varies as you would expect. Dryer winter when heated more moisture humid summers.

Never weighted the 03 stock but many turners use weight of a bowl blank & changes as it dries instead of meters. Meters much cheaper today & many turners have them. I can feel wood & tell fairly well how it’s goIng turn . No doubt stock makers & restorers can do the same. Guessing only variance 5 % by weight not unusual.

William