So, my post may have been a bit premature. After testing and fitting all of my sections together, the reel seat has a built in stop. When I tighten or loosen the threaded section/fighting butt, the position of the seat on the blank does not change. When I fully mount the seat, there is about a 1/2 " difference in length between the butt and middle sections.

I'm hesitant to cut my blank, and the difference in length is rather small. Is a hacksaw and a steady hand the best way to cut the blank? Will shortening the blank have any effect on the action?