I have seen Enfields, Mausers, Model 70's, Remingtons, and other bolt actions all worked into true works of art.

I am not talking about engraving per se, but metal work that reshaped bolts, trigger guards, bolt releases, etc to increase the aesthetic value of the rifle (and sometimes improve the function as well).

I've never seen any Ruger bolt-actions redone like that.
(I've seen quite a few Ruger single shots that were worked over very nicely)
Do the actions not lend themselves to such work?

Anyone have any pictures?

Thanks,
Garrett

I haven't seen the Model 77 worked over, either. But I do like the looks of the Ruger Model 77.

I, also, have seen some #1's done up nicely.

Steve

Here's one, don't know if it's a work of art, though.


http://www.weaponsmith.com/AR-rounds1.html

Art and beauty are very difficult to describe but there seems to be some some agreement on some things.

The M-70 is the sleekest action I know of but others may disagree. The Ruger bolt handle is very well done and looks great to me. The rest of the action however is boxy and while apparantly totally functional it's just not my style.

Most would agree that Savage bolt actions are not graceful but a few would disagree.

Ruger just isn't going to be a good looking action in my eyes unless there's a lot of sculptering.

Just one guys opinion.

There is nothing really inherently wrong with the actions for a basis of a fine custom, but the Ruger simply isn't a popular starting point. I'd say this is for a variety of reasons. The angled recoil lug is a real PITA to inlet, so not many stock makers mess with it. The other issue is that of appeal, for whatever reason the action just hasn't appealed to the custom rifle market. Folks that buy the 77's generally buy them to use as is as a tough reasonably priced gun. Occasionally they get rebarreled, maybe a new trigger but that's about it.