What should it be?

[ssgross]

Simple reasoning actually.

I didn't find the desire too far fetched - several states which used to be shotgun only are now allowing straight-walled cartridges. Funny thing to show up with a trapdoor springfield with a 500gr projectile, and get lectured by the guy shooting a brand new, overpriced, 450 bushmaster about how there won't be any meat left. Obviously no clue. I hope it works out for you Matt. I found it hard enough to fit a new side plate on my my krag project to get it to feed correctly (still doesn't like 180gr soft nose spitters, but round nose are at least feeding flawlessly now) to know that if you pull it off it will be very special indeed.

I found another 1898 receiver a few months back at the price of a paperweight. This one has all its action parts. I have a brand new barrel I blued a while back hanging up, and a semi-finished full length stock that just needs grasping grooves carved. It's in the queue.