So I'm making an 03A4 clone out of a D&T 03A3, I've made a few threads about it already. So now the rifle is done except for notching the stock, I bought a complete stock kit that's in great shape off of Ebay for $300 but I'm not sure if I'm willing to notch that stock or not so today I bought another stock (no metal or handguard) for $60, the stock isn't as nice but I'd feel more comfortable notching it sine it's not as nice (even though I'd need to spend $100+ for all of the metal plus upper handguard) but it won't look as nice so I'm confused.
































 

Notch the nice stock.

There's no way I would notch the nice one but that's just me.

You need a scant or C stock for the 03A4 look.

 

Your "nice" stock is a scant stock.  So notch that one.  The "ugly" stock is a straight stock, which is not correct for a M1903A4.  (Compare the grip area of the two stocks, and notice how the "nice" stock has a slightly built-up grip area where your palm rests.)

I am doing the same thing. i picked up a scant stock off ebay for less than $100 with cartouches.

I have a drilled and tapped sporter 1903 as well.

If you're going to mangle a stock, mangle the scant stock. They have almost no collector value, as they're basically all replacement stocks.