Rules regarding a restorstion project.

[King Cobb]

I have a restoration I will possibly be undertaking in the future. The buyin price is such that I am comfortable with the long term cost of the restoration. It just remains to be seen whether the actual condition of such a gun calls for it regarding the metal and such.

My question for ya'll educated men is this though:
The stock will need replacing if I do a full restore, the wood is at such a point where the experts I know do not feel it could be effectively fully restored. It could be made to look better, but not if the whole gun is restored. It just wouldn't look correct.

Now, the question is, even with a top of the line restoration, the originality of the gun is gone. Is there a need or responsibility of the owner to restore the stock to original factory design. Basically, would it be considered a foolish or heinous act to take a pistol gripped stock and replace it with a stock with a "ball grip", wrong term but I can't keep it straight, such as found on some hammerless parkers or just a straight stock.

I know it would be my money and my choice, but I am legitimately asking your opinions on the matter.

Thanks for your consideration of my query.