Oh ok, now that makes sense. Sorry, about that... I completely overlooked the fact you were from NY.
Just curious, how short can you go with regards to stocks? Does it have anything to do with your rifles OAL? or is it a separate deal?

About your barrel, if it were me in your case then I would just go ahead and get the HF one. Value for money is good currently (as price is lower than usual). but to go back on point, hammer forging seems to be a more precise method from what I understand which in turn should generally mean a more accurate barrel. Also, being a more precise method, it can result in more accurate barrels if intended to(tapered bores). I personally have no experience with one yet so cannot attest as to whether or not it is in fact more accurate generally speaking and minus the tapered bore feature.
Check out this link. http://technology.calumet.purdue.edu...No_%207%29.htm