The factory stock is incredibly flimsy and the hard rubber buttpad makes recoil from the 7 mag quite unpleasant. It appears factory Savage stocks have improved quite a bit in the last 30 years, and my shoulder has aged alot in the same time frame. To replace the factory recoil pad would help with the punishment, but the stock would still be a cheap piece o' crap. I've always believed an improved handle would make a difference in the rifle's mediocre, but acceptable accuracy.
Thanx again for all the great input.