I've had this stock for 20 years. It's a GAG small ring mauser that I'm using for a Large ring. It's English walnut. I'd say this is my first serious project. I had a forum member cut rings in the barrel where the steps were. The barrel is 19".

The first step will be in the wood if I leave it as is.

Question is :

Should I cut the forend shorter so the step is exposed or leave it as is.

Then where should I put a barrel band swivel.

Some Rigby stocks have fore ends as short as 7.5 inches.
So, cut it back, and put the sling swivel 2 inches in front; and some English rifles have the sling swivels randomly placed anywhere on the barrel; which looks funny.
Can't see the picture.

picture is back

Yes, cut that thing off and put a barrel band one inch in front of the wedding band.

Your work space is entirely too neat and organized.

Common placement for barrels swivels is half barrel length (Common European placement..not suggesting it is a rule)

More:

http://forums.accuratereloadin...951039961#8951039961

http://forums.accuratereloadin...1019521/m/2751044162

quote:

Should I cut the forend shorter so the step is exposed or leave it as is.

Then where should I put a barrel band swivel

Yes cut it and slim it down.

Put the barrel band where you want it.

I did this on a 7x57 works well

fore end should be .382 times the length of the barrel from receiver to muzzle. (golden mean)

updated pic above

.382? really? not .383? or .392? how about .375?

The sling stud belongs on the stock if you want to hit what you are shooting at. You will bend the barrel if you wrap yourself in the sling and the sling is attached to the barrel.

The forend needs to be long enough so you can wrap yourself in the sling. The position of the stud, and thus the forend, depends on your anatomy and not the length of the barrel.

The only reason to do otherwise is if you want to shave every ounce off the rifle. Then you can shorten the forend, put the stud on the barrel, and use the sling for carrying only. Well to go light you can dispense with the sling entirely and carry the gun in or on a backpack.