I bought a new Ruger m77rs last month that has an apparent small knot hole that is filled in with some type of brown wood putty. It was smooth and even with the wood at first but now it has expanded or the stock has expanded around it and has pushed the filler out making a riple. Is it standard practice to fill knot holes with filler, or should the stock have been rejected at the factory?

With all of the stock makers who post here I thought someone could help me. I was just wondering if I had a legitimate complaint with Ruger before I contact them or if it is a common practice in the industry to fill holes with filler. Thanks for any advise.

JCCD---

It's very common for the factories to do it as well as the best custom makers.

The apparent swelling of the patch is actually the stock shrinking from around it.

Stick shellac is the traditional filler but, as you see there, it's totally inert and the stock isn't. A better way to do it is to cut a small sliver of wood to the size (plus a little) and shape as the flaw. Coat the splinter with epoxy and drive it into the knot with a small hammer. When sanded and finished it will not only look good, it also doesn't show up an a high spot.

Thanks JBelk. I just haven't seen this before. I will just leave it as is or sand it a little. I would probably make it worse trying to fix it the way you described. It's 1/4" long and 1/8" wide at the widest point. It didn't look too bad until it started bulging out.

Why not call Ruger ??? They would probably be happy to replace the stock.

bowhuntr

I would have to agree with calling Ruger. I have had a couple of dealings with Ruger customer service in the past and I was very happy with the care and service that I got from them.

Jim B.

I may do that. Thanks.

I got a putty-repaired stock on my new M70, and Winchester replaced it. I absolutely would ask Ruger to replace yours.

H. C.

I called Ruger this morning. They are going to send me a new stock by ups.