Thanks for all the nice comments on the gun. The credit for the architecture has to go to Jim Kibler and his excellent kit. I don't see how he could make it any easier. If all styles of longrifle were available in kits like this, I and a number of others would be out of business.
Mike, as to the cheek piece inlay; I was working on the restoration of an original John Derr rifle at the same time. The simple moon cheekpiece inlay on that rifle was made from a coin rolled out thin and just a couple of simple circular cuts. I liked the simplicity of it, and of course being primarily a PA long rifle builder it is hard for me not to put something on the cheek piece.
I thought about a poured pewter nose cap, but wanted to keep the price down on the gun when I put it up for sale, so I did not put the extra time into doing one.
Mauser06 I have written the process for the Clorox metal finish up a number of times and it has been discussed pro/con here a number of times. I am sure a search for "Clorox metal finishes" will give you all the process. Be careful with Clorox, the fumes are dangerous.
Ron