I saw a MK II for sale the other day in 35 whelen. I've always wanted a whelen but i've have not shot the ruger with that (in my opinion) goofy looking synthetic stock, any opinions on the stock would be appreciated.

I picked up the exact same gun last year except it had a Bell and Carlson stock on it. I never cared for the Ruger Synthetic stocks so I was happy with my purchase. Love the gun, trying to use it on my spring bear permit here in Washington.

I don't really care for the looks either but if it still shoulders and fits well i'll buy it. I was just wondering if the "scalloped" stock affects the way it fits against the cheek/face

quote:

Originally posted by boomer453:
I don't really care for the looks either but if it still shoulders and fits well i'll buy it. I was just wondering if the "scalloped" stock affects the way it fits against the cheek/face

You won't have any problem with it. It's a good tough stock, ugly but it gets the job done. I wish they still made them.

I have no experience with that stock, but I do have experience with a Ruger Mark II. I like everything about it except the trigger. It is not adjustable, and you practically have to sit on it before it lets off.

Any idea of what twist rate ruger used in that caliber?

Jump on it... I would in a heartbeat.

That stock is a five minute swap for the newer style and you can sell the boat paddle version you've got. Some guys like them more than the newer style stocks.

Or you can go with one of the more expensive aftermarket synthetic stocks too.

Ruger triggers vary and can sometimes be tuned up a bit or for around $75 you can put in a Timney and have no worries.

I'm a huge Ruger fan and the MkII's are fantastic working rifles. They're rugged as hell and very reliable.

I prefer that boat paddle stock myself and have swapped the newer stock for the boat paddle on newer Rugers. It's not "hollow sounding" like the newer factory Ruger synthetics. Believe it or not that stock "grows" on you after awhile, give it a try. You can always replace it.

quote:

Originally posted by boomer453:
Any idea of what twist rate ruger used in that caliber?

1-16 inches.

I had one of the Ruger M77 MkII rifles in .35 Whelen (Davidson's special run) with the "boat paddle" stock. It was a great shooter. 225 gr Sierra's and 250 gr Hornadys (Spire Point and Round Nose) shot great using RL-15. I decided I wanted a CZ 550 in 9.3x62 so I sold the Ruger. Nothing wrong with the .35 Whelen, though.

-Bob F.

The only negative comment I have is that the hand on the "boat paddle stock" is a little too small. They do look a little odd, but it's my view that they are a better stock than the newer one.
If the boat paddle is not to your taste they are easily replaced.
A Ruger in 35 Whelen should be a good gun.

As far as stocks, I like to buy Stainless Rugers with the synthetic stock.... then I take it off and order a JRS Stock from Boyds (http://www.boydboys.com) for $65.00. It takes a couple of leisurely hours to finish the stock...Available in gray or brown laminates...

Cheers
seafire

Frankly, the new Ruger Synthetic's are a vast improvement over the old boat paddle design in every respect. The new incarnation is the stiffest of the "tupperware" stocks I've seen.

Here's a 350 Rem Mag I just had Dave Gentry Bead Blast. I like it a bit better than the 35 Whelen as it has a 1-12" twist and is a bit lighter even though it has an all-steel (non aluminum) floorplate... no flies on a Whelen tho!

The Ruger "canoe paddle" stock is a love it or hate it item. Personally I love them and wish I had one on my M77 30/06 STD rifle. I have one on an All Weather 243 and it is great. If anyone wants to trade a canoe paddle for a very nice walnut stock long action let me know.