Ruger #1B re-stock and accurizing?

[nixsrs93]

All,

I need some help here, as I will be going on an Elk hunt (New Mexico) in the fall of this year.  I have 3 rifles to choose from:  Rem Model 7 in 7mm-08, NEF handi 280 rem, and a Ruger #1B in 7mm Mag.

I think I want to take the 7mm Mag. due to the potential for some long shots, and it has the best optics on it (Nikon Monarch 3x9x50).  However, it is not a great shooter with 100yd groups at 1.5 to 2.0 inches being normal.  

Here are my questions:

Are there any good replacement stocks available for the #1?  (the wood is too pretty to mess up)

What process should I undertake to accurize the rifle?  (trigger has been done, it is much nicer than the lawyer trigger it came with)

Or, should I just sell the thing and get a new bolt gun for the trip?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

PS - long time lurker, first time poster

[Zeke Menuar]

Keep in mind I don't own a No 1.  Don't care for Ruger's in general.

A few years back in Rifle Magazine, Seyfried did an article on rehanging the forearm on a Ruger No1.  It involved putting a spring and some other modifications that made it tunable and shrank groups considerably.  It is probably cheaper to accurize your No1 rather than buy a new gun.

Here is an article on accurizing a No1
http://www.members.tripod.com/Rbertalotto/ruger/ruger.html

Here is an off the shelf accurizer for the No1
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=16944&title=RUGER%7e+%231+ACCURIZER

Hopefully someone here has used the Brownells accurizer.

If I were you,  I would be in the reloading room working on a load the gun likes.  That may be an easier way to solve an accuracy issue.

ZM

[nixsrs93]

Zeke,

Thanks for the help, and I will look into the sites you provided.

Yep, I do need to spend more time finding out what this rifle likes.  I have only shot Hornady Customm (139 grain), and Hornady Light Magnum (139 grain) in it so far.  I don't reload, so I am stuck with the factory stuff for now.  Any idea what a good 7mm Mag factory Elk round is?  

I am thinking about putting a kevlar/fiberglass stock on this rifle.  I would like the reduction in weight, as this thing is kind of heavy.  I don't want to lug a 9.5 lb rifle all over the new mexico wilderness.

Thanks again,

[/quote]

[Zeke Menuar]

I would use this one

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=271966

Or

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=658507

ZM

[nixsrs93]

All,

I just found the Bell & Carlson website, and they offer a stock for the #1.  I like the sound of the reduced weight, weather withstanding, and sturdy stocks.  My favorite is the Black with Grey spiderweb.  

Any experience with the Bell & Carlson line of gun stocks?

Is there another company out there I need to be looking into?

Thanks,

[oneb]

I own 15 #1s and hunt them all.  Most are "B" models, standard rifles, that scoped and loaded go about 9 and half pounds.

I love these rifles for my hunting style and do not mind the weight. I do not hike in far, but I still hunt, moving slowly all day and do a ittle ambushing.  No tree stands. The carrying and pointing balance of the #1 is much more important to me than the net weight. a lighter stock might well make the rifle muzzle heavy and that is a bummer when you are on the move.  I would not change a thing with mine.

A full race accurizing from a competent Ruger smith will set you back about $300 but most of the qualified ones are back-logged and you will likely not get it back before this elk season.

Good luck.
oneb