Did that once. Only my rifle is a Winchester Low Wall in .22 r/f chambering. Considering that I had never tried stocking a rifle, I thought it came out "ok".
I don't know what your instructors are teaching, but I used candle smoke and crayons to mark the high spots. I learned (quickly) that it is important to consider each cut of the wood and what impact it would have on the project. Think twice and cut once! When you get done, you will have something that you will treasure forever. So far, your work looks great!
