Restocking Ruger #3

R

rbursek

New member
I have a Ruger #3 in 45-70, well at 6lbs it has allot of recoil even though I added a recoil pad, It has a scope and peep sight so it is not original anyway. What are your thoughts about restocking it? And any suggestions would be welcome.
TIA,
Bob
 
I think youre on the right track. My dad has one, and its pretty much the only rifle Ive ever shot, that I dislike shooting, and that stock is the main reason. Nothing like a 45/70 Mini 14. :)

Sorry, no suggestions on a replacement, but Im sure it must be a common thing done to them. If I ever inherit his, Im throwing it in the river, just for spite. :D
 
Is it that you don't like the stock or are unhappy with the recoil?

If it's recoil, I would suggest an Edwards Recoil Reducer and maybe lighter loads.

Restocking it would likely be costly. You may be better off to sell it and get a better rifle for your needs.
 
At 6 lbs. any rifle will have a lot of recoil. You might want to talk with the skeet,trap,& clay shooters about adding some internal weight. :)
 
OK, let us get this out of the way first off. I AM a #1 lover and have been for years.

The #3, while equally strong, has a bummer of a butt stock for anything with a recoil potential like a 45/70!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The #3 however, looks way cool with #1 butt wood in place, and this takes care of the bad stock shape issue.

The action lever, may or may not need to be tweeked a tad, but if so, not a big thing for a gunsmith.

With my #1s - 45/70, I found shooting even with the good stock shape, that shooting with iron sights was very painfull because of the low head position required. With a scope in place, NO PROBLEM!!

OH, and by the way, if your shooting a #3 in 45/70, even with #1 wood, install a good/thick/soft recoil pad!

Keep it coming!

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
 
As stated above , wood for a #1 will work but you may have to reshape the lever for a pistol grip.
Years ago I re barreled and restocked a couple of #3s and used stock sets for the #1 from Fajen, there might be a couple of those somewhere so keep your eyes open , the quality is excellent.
 
I have a friend, who has redone ( REALLY !!!! NICE! ) some #1's and may ? have some presently unused factory wood.

I could check if interested.

Keep em coming!

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
 
Thanks for the info, Yes it is the stock design and recoil, even though I had the but cut straight and a pad added to give a bit more length and cushion! I have a scope on it so sight hieght is not an issue. In that action you can load it up to almost the same as a 458 Win Mag!!!!
 
Since you already have a cap on it (that hopefully you can get off again), lead rod is easy to install to add a couple pounds of weight. A couple of 5/8th x 6" holes and you added a pound in the rear, and can probably add one in the forestock too.
 
One of the things I really like and enjoy about the RUGER #1s - 45/70 is the fact it is so responsive and light in wt.

I would sure hate to weight it down with a bunch of lead in the butt or forend.

Have enough of that in the chamber! :D

Be'in the Ol'Coot :) that I am, I'd vote for replacing the butt with #1 wood and a good/thick recoil pad.

Keep em coming!

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
 
Ya, one reason I bought it was it only ways 6lb, I have been in email with George at Tree Bone Carving who specializes in stocks for the 1's and 3's so I can get a bit less drop at the heel and length. I have made up stocks for bolt actions and always set the drop at the heel at bore hight, felt recoil is much less because it comes straight back, no muzzle jump so the top of the but does not "dig" into your shoulder. Any other stock makes would be appreciated since Bishop and Fajen are out of bisiness.
Bob
 
rebursek,

Sounds like you have it covered.

To bad the old Fajen isn't still in business. They were some of the good guys, with good quality on their work.

If you need some more info, I could contact the same fellow who probably has some take off #1 factory wood sitting around, and see who is doing his inletting.

Keep em coming!

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot
 
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