I had my Ruger 77 mark 1 .338 WM out this afternoon, am getting some practice in before a fall bear hunt this year. Anyhow-- I noticed the stock is starting to split directly behind the tang safety. It is just a square about the size of your little finger nail at this point and has not yet come loose. I am guessing a new stock is going to be needed soon. As this is a long discontinued model (purchased new by me in 1980) anyone know a good place to purchase a mark 1 long action stock? If you know of a good fix for the stock before it really breaks would love to hear that also? I checked my load records-- I have fired 660 rounds through this rifle. Not too good durability in my book. I will call Ruger to see if a replacement is available, but betting it will not be. Thanks for any assistance!
Posts: 5727 | Location: Ohio | Registered: 02 April 2003
THis stock should be able to be repaired without too much trouble. I would strongly advise not shooting it any more until a stock maker looks at it. Should not cost too much to repair this one and have it stronger than original.
Posts: 2509 | Location: Kisatchie National Forest, LA | Registered: 20 October 2004
You could get one through the many outfits selling simi-inleted stocks like Richard's Micro-Fit or Elk Ridge. Or contact a stock maker with a duplicator that can duplicate the stock you have. I am sure that there is a stockmaker on here that could do this.
If you are set on a new stock, then I would recommend Richard's Microfit. www.rifle-stocks.com
However, regardless of the size of the crack, you should be able to repair it. Have your gunsmith repair it and if he uses the correct materials and procedures (ie: Acraglas and surgical tubing) the stock will be better than new. Not only does Acraglass rpair the crack, but it adds stiffness and strength to the stock. Therefore, the crack will never open up again.
Spencer and others, thank you for the contact and information. I called Ruger Service yesterday and spoke to "Penny". They have a new replacement available and in stock for $235.00 plus $3.50 Shipping. Sounds pretty high to me. I am betting that a repair will be much less expensive. The only concern I have-- is keeping the rifle looking pristine. It is about 98% condition now-- and that is after me hunting with it for 25 years. I have a real "thing" about keeping them pretty. (Actually, If I am going to hunt where a rifle will take a beating I take a Stainless/Synthetic rifle) I guess I will take a stab at contacting management and see if I can get a reasonable price as I really believe the damage is due to poor inletting. But on the other side of the coin I never noticed it before when breaking the gun down after use. I have fired 660 rounds according to my records-- that comes out to 1 box of 20 per year plus 8 boxes for load development. I feel the gun should have held up better?
Posts: 5727 | Location: Ohio | Registered: 02 April 2003
There is no such thing as a "Mark I" Model 77. Ruger has produced the Model 77 and the Model 77 Mark II.
I would still push the issue of free replacement. Let Ruger know that you believe this to be a factory defect and not something due to neglect or abuse. Generally they only handle warranty replacement on an "exchange only" basis, meaning you'll have to send in the complete gun before they'll act.
Posts: 475 | Location: Oklahoma City | Registered: 15 March 2003
Gentlemen and "Some Guy" (why always so negative?), Thanks for the comments -- I looked at my midsouth 2005 catalog and they have the Hogue for the Ruger 77 (I call it Mark 1 to note the diference from the Mark 2-- because the designation 77 don't do it.) for $86.44. I have also found the Bell and Carson ( in Realtree HD) for $169.00 from Cabela's. I will give another attempt to upper management to get this stock covered under warranty. Will hope for the best. Thanks all.
Posts: 5727 | Location: Ohio | Registered: 02 April 2003
I would like to update the post. I wrote to the president of Ruger and asked that he look into my problem. I recieved a call from the customer service manager the next morning after the letter was recieved. I returned my origional stock for inspection. Ruger shipped a new stock to me the same afternoon they got the old one and viewed the splitting. The stock I recieved in replacement had much better figure to the wood, fit perfectly and I am very satisfied. The company treated me right and I would like everyone to know it. Now I have an excuse to purchase one of the new flattops!!
Posts: 5727 | Location: Ohio | Registered: 02 April 2003
