So, I recently purchased two Ruger RSMs, one in Lott and one in 416 Rigby. Both have nice wood and, so far, I like them. They are both Gen 3 with the slimmer barrel profile and tip the scale at about 9 lbs 12 oz naked. Based on everything I read here I took them to my trusted local gunsmith for a bedding job, tang relief and better recoil pads. Well, he called me Sunday and indicated that he was suspending all gunsmithing services based on Obama's July 22 executive order which requires gunsmiths to be licensed as manufacturers if they do anything more than replace worn factory parts with the same part (i.e., no modifications). I can't imagine anyone calling themselves a gunsmith that would be limited to those activities. Turns out all of the gunsmiths in my area have essentially shut down for the same reason. The cost and headache to comply are apparently too great. So,

1. Do I keep the screws tight and just shoot away? Or, don't risk it and
2. Find a larger gunsmith that has the manufacturer's license to do the work? If so, any suggestions?

In any event, I am convinced of one thing. Vote Trump!

I have 5 RSM Lotts.I am happy with them.The only things you need to do is bed it by filling the lug recess half way,tighten the main action screw using a large wrench or ratchet to a very high torque(this and the bedding will solve the rear tang tissue),replace the striker spring with a heavier Wolfe spring,replace the striker spring retaining pin with a dowel pin,glue down both the rear sight and the front bead sight and your all set to go.I've shot out all of my Lotts.

Thanks, Shootaway. I believe that I will be happy with these rifles, too. What you describe, though, is beyond my meager gunsmithing skills, which leads to my question on where to find someone to take on this project.

I would tighten the action screws to 50 inch pounds and have at it. It's not like you need a 1/2" gun in 458 Lott or 416 Rigby calibers. Minute of Buffalo will suffice! :-)

Thanks, Biebs. Agree minute of buffalo is all I am after. The bedding work is geared toward making sure the stocks don't come apart under recoil since Ruger no longer produces them. I read many of the posts in this forum on what could/should be done to the RSM to prevent stock splitting. Probably OCD on my part.