Gentlemen

I was wondering if I would be better off to have this rifle bedded before I start shooting it and crack the stock. I realize Ruger will not warrenty the stock if there is anything done to it. (Bedding, replace recoil pad) I purchased the rifle new last summer and haven't had time to shoot it until now.

Thanks

Steve

You will get a LOTT of different opinions. My opinion is I would get it bedded and have a second cross bolt installed. The .375’s are cracking stocks in the Hawkeye. I don’t know of a problem with the M77RSM MKII but why go through the hassle of cracking a stock. Keeping in mind the Lott is harder recoiling than the .375.
Bill

Steve, I had mine bedded before I fired a shot. Very nice wood on mine and I did not want to split it and have the hassel of going back and forth with ruger to get a replacement. Good gunsmith used steel bed compound and bedded the recoil iron/hanger then bedded the action and barrel full length. Relieved the stock right at the end of the action tang a bit to prevent chipping Also replaced the recoil pad with a pachmeyer old english pad. Now I just shoot the hell out of it with no worries!

My 458 CZ American Safri lott had TWO cross bolts In it when I bought it new streight from factory.I just got it this past summer.

But I heard about the single cross bolt. I also
Know a smith that installed Another cross bolt For a friend. Something you might consider.

Absolutly, glass bed it, cross bolt it, do anything you can to prevent problems on an expensive hunt..Over the last 40 or so years I have seen too many high dollar custom rifles crack after hearing the old saying, "well,if its bedded properly it won't crack" not so, too many other varibles come into play, such as lay out of the wood, curing of the wood, type of wood, and so fourth..Then you hear end grain is harder than glass, another crock IMO...I would opt for steel bed...

I know some old English rifles that have held together through thick and thin so there is a bit of truth in the claim, but you just cannot depend on it when you just dumped $50,000 into a Safari..beter safe than sorry.

A glassed action and crossbolts do not devalue a big bore rifle IMO....

I'll second Ray. The only reason factories don't glass, or steel bed, rifles is that it takes handwork and adds to the price.
If you plan on using any big bore with a wood handle have it reinforced first.

Thankyou gentlemen, I believe I will take you're suggestions and have it bedded. Also have a 416 Rigby and will do the same to it.

Thanks again and good shooting.

Steve

I would shoot it before bedding but bed it before hunting. I did NOT do this with my .416 but should have. What if you have a bad barrel or some other problem - which Ruger might fix?

What ever you decide DON"T SHOOT IT IN A LEAD SLEAD BEFORE YOU HAVE IT BEADED. I don't realey like using one for big bores and definatley not for doubles.
Bill

I did shoot mine. Put a few hundred rounds through it. No problems -- BUT if it has been that long, check the screws. They do seem to loosen up, and that is doom.

Dan

Well for its worth, I have a Ruger RSM in .458 Lott. I had the rifle bedded with Steel Bed and had a new Decelerator pad installed, but did not have a second cross bolt installed. After approximately 150 rounds the stock split at the wrist late last year.

I returned the stock to Ruger in December and they replaced it several weeks ago. On the new stock, I intend to have it bedded with Steel Bed, have a new Decelerator pad installed and have a second cross bolt installed. Hopefully that will do the trick. If not, I will ship that stock back to Ruger too.

MJines
I am glad to hear that Ruger replaced your stock even though you had committed the sin of "modifying" it. My .416 Rigby seems OK after bedding, Kickeez pad and about 210 rounds.

If my stock broke, I would cry as I also had it checkered.