I'm working on a custom stock for an old J. Stevens "Long Tom" 12 ga. and I'd like to know if this layout for the stock works. The grain goes right through the grip but does go through the stock vertically in the butt... would pinning it be necessary? The shotgun will be mainly used as a wall hanger but will be taken out on a pheasant hunt or two once a year. It functions fine but the factory stock was shattered a long time ago.

You may want to post this on the Gunsmithing Forum.

I'd rotate your forend 180 degrees so that the "bend" of the grain matches BACK and FRONT!

As, and I am assuming, that you gun has a stockbolt then I don't think the grain direction on the stock matters?