[DrGunner]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, AZGUY!

However, it's not a bull barrel, but a GM fluted tapered barrel.

I thought it was a drop-in fit, but it looks as if it will need some sanding.

I was hoping to hear from someone who had done it as to any tips or tricks that might be useful.

Either way, I will be going very slowly. This is going into a DSP with some really good grain!

I did that exact job; first find the balance point of your GM barreled action, then mark the balance point inside the groove in your stock. Next, wrap your original carbine barrel in blue painters masking tape. Then wrap 80 grit sandpaper around the barrel and use it as a sanding block, starting from the balance point and working forward. Open it some, check fit, repeat. Then go to 120 grit, and finish with 200 or finer. Take out just enough for a press fit, or you can do the job with the rest of the barrel floating beyond the balance point. Stain the groove; Birchwood Casey walnut stain is a good match, then seal with 3-4 coats of Tru Oil.

 

[DrGunner]

Yes, the taper VERY is close... A GM barrel will press fit into a carbine stock with minimal sanding. The carbine barrel tapers to .5" at the tip, while a GM tapers to .60". Because the GM is wider, the thickness of the masking tape plus one layer of sandpaper creates a sanding block that removes the right amount of wood with little effort, although u have more work to do if you plan to free float...

 

[DrGunner]

Problems exist to teach us new ways of thinking. Good luck with your build.
DrG