I have heard of this being done in Michael Yardleys Gun Fitting Book, but you would have to be very careful. Also the amount of cast you need has to be looked at. If it is a lot you would probably be better off having it bent. A bend to a stock can be altered at a later time to someone elses demensions if you ever sell it. However, any wood removal can't be other than removing wood on the opposing side, and this can be very trickey and expensive which will lower the value of your gun if you sell it. If it is price of bending you are concerned about, it does not cost as much as some think.