Gumboman under my shop lighting the color looks very dark in these pictures but in reality is not that dark. I used Birchwood Casey Walnut stain as a base stain. Then went over the Walnut With AF and blushed. Then I used Jim Kibler's finish on top of that. I may try to take a picture outside to show the real color of this rifle. This does make for a dark color.
Shreckmeister I did scrape this stock which is red maple but the grain would not cooperate so I had to use sand paper to get it to smooth out some. I have found that red maple does not take scraping sometimes no mater how sharp the scraper and then I have had some that did beautifully.
Darkhorse I am not sure about the cast off or cast on but Jack has always worked with me on any special request like that so I would suggest that you give him a call and ask. I know that he will do as much of the inletting as you want done. He will inlet the lock, triggers and butt plate and swamped barrels. I also think that he will do lefty's if requested.