Gentleman,

Could someone give me the name and location of a smith to bed the stock and add a real crossbolt to my Ruger RSM. I have a really nice piece of wood and I want to make it last.

I am in MI but I can I can FedEx it anywhere

Thanks,

Jim

Hello Jim in MI,
I own three of the RSM's, 375HH, 416 Rigby, and the 458Lott (will add the 338Lapua eventually) and I would not change one damn thing about the rifles. Have shot them now some 200 plus rounds each and absolutely outstanding rifle in all respects.
Each one has a gorgeous Turkish Walnut stock and had lots of conversations with the Ruger folks about possible splitting, cracking, etc. prior to purchasing and they have no issues with the stocks splitting. In the event they do, Ruger will take care of it and they back their product better than anyone in the firearms industry, period!!
Should caution you that anyone other than Ruger touches that rifle, no warranty, no discussion, put all the negative posts on web sites you want, no warranty, end of story!! I can appreciate your idea to take steps to prevent any failure in advance, but believe it would be a mistake to alter the rifle as it comes from the factory. Perhaps others will disagree, but personally I would rather have the Ruger Firearms Company backing up their product than any individual gunsmith. You paid for that back up, use it if needed. Best of luck with the finest bolt action big bore rifle available today.

You don't need a crossbolt on the RSM. If anything jsut get the steel plate bedded. I have LOTS of rounds throgh my 416 Rigby with no problems. jorge

driver:
While I agree with you about Ruger standing behind their guns, I think the "cannot be altered" is taken too far. I had one of the first .416 RSM's built...wouldn't feed worth crap. When I was going to send it back, they would not repair it since I had added a new recoil pad and forend tip. The service rep, and I use that term with great reservation, insisted that that was the cause of the feeding issue. When I assured her it was like that from the beginning, she said they would work on it ONLY if they replaced the stock. On a whim, I asked if I had only replaced the recoil pad, would that make a difference...her answer was no. So to be honest, I am not brave enough to shoot a .416 Rigby, let alone a .458 Lott, with that joke that Ruger calls a recoil pad.
Certain alterations to a rifle I agree with, but there has to be some common sense issues also.

Jim,

I have RSMs in 416 Rigby and 458 Lott and have the same thoughts as you. Frankly the only reason I haven't bedded either is I've just not gotten around to it...the I'll do it next season, etc. syndrome. Although the Ruger recoil plate is debated and looked down upon by some I have SO FAR gotten good service from these rifles. I don't keep records of rounds fired, but my Rigby has to be at the 200+ rounds fired and the Lott at around 400.

What I (and Jim) worry about is our pretty stocks. Yes, most RSMs have good to great wood, but I have seen some real bummers too. I would hate to have Ruger warranty my stock and replace it with a real dog.

When I get around to it, both of my RSMs will be propperly bedded and gone through. If I were headed to Africa I would send it to a good smith to sort out post haste.

John

Hello,
My whole point in discussing the aspects of the Ruger RSM is simply that if you alter the rifle in any way shape or form, any and all problems you may have or even think you have are yours and yours alone. Do not expect Ruger to deal with them for they will not do so. As pointed out, Ruger is firm on this policy based on others own experience and would hate to see someone alter their stock, etc. without knowing the consequences of their actions.
As for the "recoil pad..." I believe it is described in the literature as live rubber butt pad, not specifically a recoil pad?? If I am wrong on that thought, the pad is certainly not designed to absorb any recoil.
I equip mine w/ Kick Killer leather lace up pads and really sucks up the recoil and yet leaves the stock unaltered. I understand perhaps not agreeing or liking the Ruger position, but it is their warranty program and one either subscribes to it or they do not and to not subscribe could be very costly.

All I have done with mine is put a Limbsaver pad on it. No stock issues and mine has probably closer to 400-500 rounds down the tube.

I've had my .375 RSM for nearly 3 yrs now and couldn't be happier with it. No issues at all and it's completely in factory form other than an NECG white bead front sight - a wonderful item I must say!

It's had a few hundred rounds thru it and shows some silver-wear and character marks already but it's my Baby and I would'nt trade it for the world.

If I had to sell all my centerfire rifles and only keep one the .375 RSM would be it.

quote:

live rubber butt pad

More like dead rubber on mine originally

Geronimo

Yep, the stock "live rubber butt pad" on the RSMs is a joke. If CZ can put a Decelerator on their less expensive rifles I would think Ruger could pony up too. I love my RSMs but a Limbsaver makes a BIG difference.

John

To answer your question.......Champlin Arms in Enid Oklahoma. I put only 40 rounds through my 458 Lott Ruger and the stock split. It is now at Champlin having cross bolts installed and bedded.

You might give Jim Kobe a call. He is in the Minn. area.

Jim, give Rob at Williams Gunsight in Davison a call. He can take care of the bedding, recoil pad, and crossbolts, no problem. He also is an AR member, sorry don't remember his handle. The number is (810)653-2131. Hope this helps.

Geronimo

Thanks guys. I have read every RSM post on AR and have read the debates. The stock is pretty yes, but I really don't want one to go down on a hunt.

I have noticed a post about keeping the screws tight and checking after every few shots. I pulled mine out of the safe and sure enough, they had gotten loose after just 1 short trip to the range.

As far a voiding the warrenty, I really don't care if Ruger gives me a free stock or if I have to buy a replacement myself. Its not about the money, its about having a gun that is as bulletproof as possible.

Thanks for taking the time to respond to yet again anither Ruger RSM stock question.

Hello Jim in MI,
It is your firearm and certainly can do whatever you wish, but believe you will find that if you alter the stock, no warranty of any sort, wood or otherwise. Is this fair?, no, but that is how it will turn out. I can not imagine anything other than the stock cracking/splitting on the RSM for it is a very strong, robust firearm, but fore warned, is fore armed. Good luck.

I've never seen an RSM that are often used NOT have a crack in the thin webbing area between the mag box and trigger opennings. The Ruger RSM has the least amount of wood in this area than any other rifle I know. If I'm not mistaken, Ruger only warrants this stock for 2yrs from defect which is about the time you'll see the crack begin. I have one on my bench now that I'm repairing and this is only a 375H&H.

The best looking option would be to install a second Ruger screw and nut assembly. The second best looking option would be to install two threaded brass stock repair pins from opposite sides so that it looks like one brass cross pin. Another option would be to install an internal pin.

I'm of the opinion that the outward forces along the mag box and trigger inlets are too great for this very small bit of wood to hold over the long run w/out adding any additional support.

Good luck,
GVA

Hello,
Is this two year warranty issue on the stock a written policy from Ruger?? I have am not aware of this policy and what source did you learn of it??

driver,

Ruger does not have an express/written warranty that relates to material and/or workmanship and that affirms their product is defect-free or will meet a certain standard of performance over a specified time.

But, Ruger has an obligation under an implied warranty that is defined in state law which covers repair or replacement parts in consumer products. An implied warranty of merchantability (general fitness) is an implied promise that the product is fit for the ordinary purposes for which it is used (ie, "This car is fit for passenger transportation.")

The Magnuson-Moss Act provides limitations on Ruger's ability to make disclaimers on any defects. If memory serves me correctly, Ruger would be obligated for repair and parts on manufacture defects up to two years. Beyond that, they would have no obligation. From my experience, Ruger tends to favor the consumer provided the damage was not the result of consumer alterations.

Back to the RSM stock. I do not have great confidence in the webbing holding up. If it does crack completely through, the stock will lose integrity in the area between the front and rear action screws. I prefer the system that Winchester used having the second cross bolt.

GVA