There are several good stock makers out there, but not as many as their used to be, wish Bishop was still around...B&C is one, Boyd's is one, Richards is one for 95% semi-finished ones. I have several Boyd's that DON'T bend and I've had a couple of B&C's but none now and if you are bending the BARREL there isn't anything wrong with the stock...I can bend the barrel on most of the very best, hi-dollar stocks by squeezing hard but the stock doesn't move...or am I miss reading your post??? Even Tupperware stocks with full alum bedding blocks are very stiff, but still can be bent a bit if you go grizzly on them.

Basically you need enough clearance in the barrel channel so the barrel vibrations aren't interfered with...~0.030" is enough for most hunting and twice that for air flow in varminters that can get hot.

Enjoy your "new" rifle.