Does the stock have pillars now? If it has the original savage type pillars, the front one can be set a little deeper into the stock, sometimes with just a tap of a hammer, or by reaming the shoulder of the hole with a dremel. Tape the suface of the stock real good helps prevent any boo boos and tears. The front pillar is held by shoulder of pillar. the rear pillar is under the trigger guard so its a little easier on the nerves to play with.
Bedding has DEFINITELY helped on the ones I've done. One of those was a Stocky's Bobby Hart model.