Some updates. I whittled down the stock a little, as it was a little 'chunky'. I trimmed the grip area above and below, behind the cheek piece and on the underside of the buttstock. I also trimmed down the forearm on the underside. basically I attacked all areas that were not checkered. It appears more slim now. A good friend who is also a renowned shot applied double boiled linseed oil after sanding it. I haven't gotten the sling swivels done yet.
Anand