Making progress with my 77/17...

[Patriot_1776]

...I was able to order a custom stock for my 77/17 today.  The stock is a Boyd's Ross Thumbhole Sporter in Pepper Laminate.  Also, I ordered a Green Mountain Barrel (17 HMR of course) from Cabela's as well; the barrel is SS/Fluted, 20" long and has an OD of .920".  If everything works out, I'm sure it will become one heck of a "Hummer" for everything under the sun.  By the way, has anyone had experience with Green Mountain's custom rimfire  barrels?  Seems like an excellent quality bbl for the money.  

 
-Patriot

[Lawdog]

Patriot_1776,

I prefer Green Mountain barrels.  Got them on 5 10/22', 1 10/22M and 2 77/22's(one mag. - one lr).  By the way right now Green Mountain is running a internet special on their barrels.  Get two matched barrels(one in .22 WMR and one in .17 HMR) for $199.95.  Go to http://www.gmriflebarrel.com/catalog.aspx?catid=GreenMountainSpecials to check it out.  Lawdog
 

[Patriot_1776]

Thanks Lawdog.  Alas, I wish I had spotted that special sooner!:cry:

Maybe I should have looked around a little further first; but I was a little impatient in starting my 17 on the road to "customized". :wink:  But had I seen that, I probably would have went for it.

Patriot

[redawg]

Patriot, you should be able to return your barrel to Cabela's.  They have a bargain room with tons of items that have been returned, including barrels.  Some of these barrels have been fired and returned.  If you haven't even fired yours yet, I'd bet they'd give you a refund.  

Do the 77/17's have the same length action as the 77/22lr version?  I'd considered getting one of those Boyds thumbhole stocks, but wasn't sure if my 77/17 action would fit in it.

When you get this project finished, could you post some pictures?  I'd sure like to see it.

[Patriot_1776]

Patriot, you should be able to return your barrel to Cabela's. They have a bargain room with tons of items that have been returned, including barrels. Some of these barrels have been fired and returned. If you haven't even fired yours yet, I'd bet they'd give you a refund.

Oh no, its not a problem to me.  I was just saying that that sure was a great deal, but if I had seen it before I got the current one, I probably would have bought them.  But I'm sure I'll be happy with what I'm getting.

Do the 77/17's have the same length action as the 77/22lr version? I'd considered getting one of those Boyds thumbhole stocks, but wasn't sure if my 77/17 action would fit in it.

I'm not sure whether there is a real difference between the actions for the 22Mag. length and the 22 LR length.  But the key feature about this particular stock I've ordered is it is what they call "VIP", which translates into: Virtual Inlet Part.  That means they do not inlet the stock perfectly leaving possibly slight sanding jobs for me to do before the action will bed properly.  So, I think the main thing is to make sure the stock is compatible for the action number (77/22 stocks can be used for 77/17 actions I think, so I'll see how it works).  But, the real benefit from this is you save a BUNDLE of money, almost 50% aside from ordering a factory inletted stock (which they inlet for their factory action to fit, which in turn saves the buyer some possbile work at extra cost).  So, a stock like mine would probably run around $140 factory inletted, whereas I got this one for around $90 VIP...which is a great price.

When you get this project finished, could you post some pictures? I'd sure like to see it.

Well, I'll see what I can do.  I've not posted any pics before, but it should not be too much of a problem.  If I get the pictures right, I'll have a "before" and "after" to show the difference (or improvement :wink: ).

 
-Patriot

[redawg]

I'm not sure whether there is a real difference between the actions for the 22Mag. length and the 22 LR length. But the key feature about this particular stock I've ordered is it is what they call "VIP", which translates into: Virtual Inlet Part. That means they do not inlet the stock perfectly leaving possibly slight sanding jobs for me to do before the action will bed properly. So, I think the main thing is to make sure the stock is compatible for the action number (77/22 stocks can be used for 77/17 actions I think, so I'll see how it works). But, the real benefit from this is you save a BUNDLE of money, almost 50% aside from ordering a factory inletted stock (which they inlet for their factory action to fit, which in turn saves the buyer some possbile work at extra cost). So, a stock like mine would probably run around $140 factory inletted, whereas I got this one for around $90 VIP...which is a great price.

I've been to their website, and they have some nice stocks.  I've never done any type of stock work, so I've been a little hesitant to try it.  I just might have to though.  I bought a 17 HMR, but like the idea of being able to switch to a .22 WMR.  I also like the looks of the thumbhole stock, couple that with a fluted bull barrel, and you got a very good looking gun.  

Please keep us posted on how this is going for you.  I'm really interested in doing something like this myself, and am looking forward to hearing how it goes for you!  

[Patriot_1776]

Here is just a "before" picture of my 77/17.  I figured I would do it now while I was thinking about it.  It is bigger than allowed to be posted on the forums, so here's the link to it:

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/album_pic.php?pic_id=703

I'm not sure how long it will take to customize it; but the things I ordered will be arriving later in the week.  
 

-Patriot

[redawg]

Nice picture.  It looks very similar to mine, except mine is regular stainless, not the target gray.  Same pepper laminate stock as yours.  I don't recall ever seeing another like it.  I bought it immediately.  I'm not sure if mine was a special run or what.  Sure has taken alot of prairie dogs.  BTW, I'm looking forward to seeing the after picture(s).

[Patriot_1776]

I did change the name of the thread, so it would be more pertinent to what is discussed here.  Well, my Green Mountain barrel arrived today, and I was able to fit it into my Ruger action without a hitch.  I must say, it sure is a beautiful barrel.  That is good so far, now I'm just waiting for the stock to come in.  Hopefully, the action will go in without too much work.  I've heard with those VIP stocks that its usually just a few simple sanding jobs to get rid of rough edges.  Usually, that about does it; but I'll find out soon.  Will post again when the stock comes in and I get it fitting right.

 
-Patriot

[redawg]

Well, my Green Mountain barrel arrived today, and I was able to fit it into my Ruger action without a hitch. I must say, it sure is a beautiful barrel.

Glad to hear it! :grin:   Hope it drops in to the stock that easily for ya!

[Patriot_1776]

The stock arrived today, and there are several things which I am glad to say.  First, it sure is nice. :agree:    Second, the action bedded flush within the stock, so it seems there is ZERO wood-working to be done. :grin:  :grin:   Third, this caught me by surprise, it came totally un-finished; meaning there is no sealant on the surface.   No problem though, as I finished about 10min ago with putting a coat of varnish inside the inletting and one side of the stock.  In addition, the barreled action did seat very nicely into the stock, but I'll keep an eye on how things go with that once the sealing stage is completed.  I'm posting a couple of pics of the stock by itself.  You will notice the butt pad is removed, to help make sealing the wood easier.  Will post again soon.

Right side: http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/album_pic.php?pic_id=744

Left Side: http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/album_pic.php?pic_id=745

 
-Patriot

P.S.  I can't seem to get the pics to show in the thread; can anyone help me with that?  I heard something about images hosted by GBO are having problems being shown on the threads.  Maybe that is still the case?  I use the format with no spaces between the designations and URLs; is that correct?  Thanks for any help.

[redawg]

Glad to hear your project is going well!  When you're finished, it looks like you'll have the gun I was hoping to put together myself :grin:   I can't help with the picture posting, sorry.