i didn't like the huge clunky stock on the m-rod and i'm too cheap to pay $300 for a stock for a $400 rifle. i also don't like checkering on any rifle stock, especially the goofy stuff on the m-rod. so i broke out the tools and got to chopping and grinding. it is finished off with 3 coats of brown leather dye and 2 coats of birchwood stock wax. that's the only thing i had that gave me the dark finish i wanted. the different layers in the wood soaked up the dye differently. it still looks butt ugly, but i like it better than the factory stock.