Thanks Oregon Bill.
flatapple, as you may notice, the tacks on the forearm are kept somewhat more polished than those on the stock by just handling and shooting it. Although all were inserted at the same time, I personally like the look of brass as it develops a patina. The head diameter becomes the spacing gauge when marking where to drill pilot holes for the shanks. Drill a hole of a smaller diameter than the shank diameter so as to not stress or split the wood. And the barrel and magazine tube really only allow full shanks down the middle of the forearm grip.
There is a different design on the other side of the stock, but I have found that, even though the heads are all snug against the wood, I will often (at least once every other match it seems) catch a hair from my beard in the pattern and pull it out. Irritating to say the least. After 16 years, the right side of my beard is noticeably thinned and sparse ahead of the ear on the jaw line. Oh well!
So, if you are "folically" blessed, I would suggest you either leave the cheek side of the stock blank and just border the perimeter outline with a row of tacks, or put your design forward or back from your accustomed cheek resting area. Trust me on this one.
RCJ