Need Advice on Re-Stocking a Rifle

[*ROCK-MAN*]

Wife's Howa 270 LA.
I am going to purchase a Boyd's custon thumbhole laminated stock to replace the factory stock with.Need to know what all I want to get done to it to make it worth the effort.
Bedding-what material,free floated or any advice appreciated.
Thanks,
Rock

[*ROCK-MAN*]

Also the stock in going to be purchased unfinished so need advice on the whats and hows of applying the finish coat.
Thanks,
Rock

[*ROCK-MAN*]

One more thing.Will tru-oil work on a pepper laminate?
Thanks,
Rock

[gunnut69]

I prefer Brownells AcraGlass gel for bedding. In a hard kicker I re-enforce with aluminum dust and usually free float to start with. If the rifle isn't shooting well enough I can always add a pressure point which often helps with accuracy.. of course it may interfere with point of impact maintenance is a sling is used or the wood swells a bit?? You can finish laminated wood with TruOil but I usually use polyurethane as it just seems more fitting.. There have been books written about finishing gunstocks but a few point and remember these are just MHO..  I shape with rasps and files..always ending with a file.. Sanding usually starts with 100 grit and ends with 220 or 320.. Then come the steel wool. A brisk polishing with 00 grade will bring the wood to what appears a nearly finished state with nothing applied!!! then apply the finsh..(rubbing poly) with the finsgers.. Thin coats and steel wool back until pores are filled. Then how ever many it takes to achieve the desired depth.. On laminate staining is not usually done.  Remember the last sandiong done with a grit is done length wise on the stock and never sand without a block or correctly shaped backer.