I always have to remind everyone I’m not a professional machinist ... I’m not an artist ... If I can do this anyone can!

If by "professional" you mean someone who takes money in exchange for his skills, then, yes, I assume you aren't one.  But if you mean someone whose patience, planning, work ethic, and skills are exceptional, you most certainly are.

As for the second, your artistic mind, heart and skills are evident in even just that small amount of engraving. which is only a small part of the whole execution of your rifle.

As for the last, please, Bob, false modesty is not a virtue.  Plus as a third generation metalsmith who as a restorationist has spent too much of my time first undoing other people's "good intentions", I know how true indeed it is that most people either simply cannot do good work or haven't the patience and the desire to learn and practice until they can.

In short, take a bow, Bob; in fact, take several.

Bill Lawrence

Can't wait until you post the pics when that beautiful rifles comes home.. And thanks for sharing the process with us as you progressed with the build. Frank

That is really nice, can’t wait to see the complete rifle
Gumpy

That was a fun read. Remington needs to bring back the No.7.

As promised..final photos.  She's finally done!

The wood color in these photos looks more yellow and orange than what it really is.  The color is more brown with yellow and darker or what I would call a dark caramel color.
Bob

Wow!!!

This is not a very good picture but it does represent the color of the wood better.