44mag Rossi Pumba synthetic stock question?

I was just doing a couple of repairs to my Rossi this morning, and I thought I might address the "hollow" sound of the stock so I took off the recoil pad to assess the situation and found this steel rod which runs from the pistol grip (snug fit) back to a locator in the recoil pad. I can see how it strengthens the stock, but am wondering just how necessary it actually is? Leaving it out improves the centre of gravity and pointability.
Was planning on filling the stock with foam "no more gaps" or even stuffed newspaper - any other lightweight ideas?

Attachment 22012

I reckon the rod is essential to the transfer of recoil to the shoulder. Without it the recoil impact would spread unevenly through the butt and may have the potential to cause a weak point to collapse. Just a hypothesis.

News paper wouldn't do much I don't think. There's some spray stuff that foams up that'll be better but I take it that the stock comes off from a bolt in that hole so I wouldn't use the foam spray unless you don't plan on taking the stock off ever again

I doubt any rifle manufacturer would put any extra parts (aka an expense) into a rifle if it wasn't for a good reason...

Expanding foam from sika products works well. Trick is too not overfill it, because it's pretty water proof if it skins over...but if you overfill it and trim it to fit, it will loose its skin and act like a sponge taking on water. I've done all my rifles like this and had in issues at all.

Kj