I'm interested to know how well the wood stock stands up. My experience with unaltered wood stocks on powerful rifles hasn't been particularly positive.
Did you buy factory ammo or did you reload?
You might think you have lots of eye relief, but with the scope mounted like that it's just a matter of time before you get cut. Taking the scope to the eyebrow with that rifle will not compare to being kissed by an '06! Whatever it takes, move the ocular to line up with the rear of the trigger guard or better yet in line with the cocking piece of the bolt. As a test, close you eyes, and bring the rifle to your shoulder in a natural fashion at a 45 degree up angle from kneeling. Now get someone to measure the distance from the ocular to your eye brow or to half way down your nose. If that rifle moves back energetically 3" what's going to happen? In the meantime, do not fire the rifle with the scope mounted that far back. If you can't find appropriate rings, shoot with the factory sights, they are quite good.
I imagine you bought that horrid sling because when you carry the rifle it absorbs the shock on your shoulder. Perhaps in the interest of good taste and harmony on CGN, you could buy a nice leather sling to put on the rifle for all future pics.
The rifle has very nice lines, I actually prefer it's look to the Alaskan, although I believe the Alaskan is a better working gun (around here anyway). I'm sure your new rifle will give you years of good service and pleasure.
