Absolutely no idea on the leather bits. I figured it was purely decorative? That trigger you put in makes a lot of difference. Just no getting around how much influence a good trigger can have on a rifle. Some folks just have no idea the difference a rifle like you have built can have on performance And just plain enjoyment factor. Yes you can build a rifle that will function for considerably less, but there is no feeling on earth like shooting a sub 1 group during break in And not even really trying. Super jealous of your new rifle!