Congratulations on a significant accomplishment CJ. Looking at the second picture, may I suggest that you establish and maintain centre lines during your next build. I like the colour you achieved on this plain piece of maple.
Is there cast-off in the stock or is the butt plate tang just mis-alined? Cast off is measured from the comb nose and the butt plate tang should align with the comb nose. I got it wrong on my 32 caliber rifle and it has been bugging me since 1976! I keep thinking I should re-stock it but haven't gotten around to it yet. The good news is that only a few good gun stockers will notice it. The bad news is that it will bug you forever. JS