I just picked up my first big bore. Is there any modifications that i need to do so that the gun will not be damaged and last?

Rakman1,

Do a search on this forum for all manner of Ruger RSM suggestions for longevity and improvements. You will find everything from a new recoil pad (which I believe is a must) to bedding and sights, etc. There is lots of info on this site and and it is worthwhile research.

If you are like me and want to shoot your Lott right now (stock) the first thing I would suggest is to check and snug your action/stock screws after EVERY shot for the first 20 or so and monitor thereafter. Both my RSM Rigby and RSM Lott loosened their screws big time during the "breaking in" and I believe if I had left the screws unattended I MAY have witnessed a stock split. The RSM wood is too nice for this!

Congrats on getting a great rifle. My RSM Lott is my favorite rifle, although I use it as a rock buster/ground squirrel rifle for now

John

Provisos on "SNUG":

The m77 rsm stock is mounted with 3 screws on the bottom. Two of them are found under the magazine floorplate. In general, on 3-screw stocks, the forward screw should be the tightest. The back screw (on the trigger guard) should be 2nd tightest. The middle screw is the least tight. Tightening the third screw too much can screw up the feeding on many 3-screw stocks. Lastly, you don't want to CRANK on those screws -- if you are too tight, you can injure the wood and the way the stock seats, loosing accuracy. A good operative word is "firm" or "snug" (firm is better than snug). That wood is too pretty to crank on the screw and screw up the stock .

After putting 30 rounds through mine, the screws were still appropriately firm.

Dan