From the wrong end meaning they drilled into the butt of the pistol grip?
It's a stock with a great potential for glory, I am sure that a further bucket of elbow-grease will get it there. And you will make it stronger than it was when it left the factory, look forward to the finished article.
HW55 Tyrolean is it?
I just googled what a 'galavanised clout' is. Oh my Lord, what swamp-donkey did you rescue it from?