Help with a Ruger M77MKII

[turkeyhunter]

I have a Ruger M77MKII .280 with a Hogue overmolded stock. This will be my main hunting rifle but I have a problem. I need a stock with a shorter length of pull. I absolutely love the Hogue stock but it seems they do not make a shorter stock and I don't see any way to cut this one down. Please give me some suggestions what to do. Is there anywhere out there to find a shorter replacement stock? Has somebody out there cut down a Hogue stock before. Please help me with this. I love this gun and the way it shoots but it just is not comfortable on me with the long stock. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Turkeyhunter

[mikej]

Does the recoil pad come off? If so I'd remove that and replace it with a simple flat one from Brownells. Not sure about the material under the overmold on the stock. I'd call Hogue and find out. I think a bandsaw blade of good quality will go through most any material of which a stock would be made, so as a last resort that's what I would try. Another option is a laminated wood stock from Boyds. It will be heavier than the Hogue, but you can cut through the wood easily with hand tools, and install the recoil pad of your choice. A laminated stock will also have good stability, comparing well to most composites in this area. I believe Boyds stocks are available from Midway.

[SingleShotShorty]

You can contact Ruger and give them the serial number off of the rifle and they will sell you a laminated factory stock for around $200.00. Then all you have to do is cut the pull down to fit and drop the barreled action into the stock.

[Patriot_1776]

TurkeyHunter,

            If I may suggest another brand of stock that I have heard many good remarks about is McMillan.  As far as I know, they offer synthetic stocks in any color imaginable, and no doubt in whatever size you'd like.  Also, they do make stocks on demand, as that is a sign of their desire to be truly customizable.  It can run a little expensive due to that ability.  Check them out at: www.mcmfamily.com
When the time comes for me to choose a new stock for my Weatherby, I'll be sure check into their inventory and capabilities.  I hope they have what you are looking for. Please post back on what brand you may decide, as it may be a company I haven't heard of and may desire to look into.  God bless your efforts   Patriot

[7magWoodsman]

If I may suggest another brand of stock that I have heard many good remarks about is McMillan.  As far as I know, they offer synthetic stocks in any color imaginable, and no doubt in whatever size you'd like.  Also, they do make stocks on demand, as that is a sign of their desire to be truly customizable.  It can run a little expensive due to that ability.  Check them out at: www.mcmfamily.com

I second the McMillan, if you can afford to spend the money on it.....You will not find a better stock in my opinion, and they will be happy to custom make you one at your request....it will cut recoil down to next to nothing too...

Good Luck.
Stay Safe. Happy Hunting/Shooting.  

[turkeyhunter]

Thank you for the advice however the McMillan stock is way out of my price range. :eek:     I also really enjoy the feel and durability of the Hogue stock.   Here is what I ended up doing.  After looking at the Hogue website, I found that the stock was able to be cut down.  I contacted a couple of the local gunsmiths that I have used but neither of them had done the job before.  Both thought they could do it for about $75 to $100 but they would have to see it.  I decided to give it a try for myself so I carefully marked 1 1/8" from the stock and cut it on my bandsaw.  I finished up the job with a belt sander to make it nice and flat.  I then was going to buy a grindable limbsaver pad but I could not find one locally.  I did however find a stock limbsaver pad that fit almost exactly.  I only had to do some minor sanding on it.  The only problem was the screw holes didn't line up with the ribs in the Hogue stock so I filled the hollow stock with fiberglass resin.  It had the added benefit of making a quiet stock even quieter.  I have not had the chance to shoot it yet but just shouldering it feels much better.

[7magWoodsman]

I am glad you got your problem fixed...Sounds like it worked out for the best too...I will remember your solution in the future just in case. :grin:

Stay Safe. Happy Shooting/Hunting.  

[Patriot_1776]

Great!  :wink:    I'm glad your problem is solved and am happy that you did what was found to be the best way for you.  Patriot