Well first of all I would suggest that you have a look at the stock it currently has, and see what you think. I think they can vary so it may be worth having a look and a feel of the stock before deciding on anything else. Concentrate on the fore-end particularly, as that's where I found the main weakness. If it is all too flexible and you're not happy, then yes I guess you could either go for the walnut if you like wooden stocks (I don't know much about wooden stocks but I have seen Howa 1500 walnut stocks before and they looked fairly neat), or go for a different synthetic one like I did. There are many expensive options for this, but I got a 'cheapy' one. Try giving Steve Beaty at Ivythorn Sporting a ring, that's where I got my complete set-up. When I chose my stock he had a couple of other ones which were the same. By the way, they had a realtree camo pattern on them, as has the one I bought. Even if you're not keen on the idea of that effect (it does look very nice though!), still give him a ring as he may be able to help you with a different one. He is a very helpful bloke, say Ben Skinner suggested you give him a ring, explain the situation, and hopefully he might have/be able to get in something to send you.