pmsmith2032
New member
I have a 1988 Ruger M77 with the tang safety and a factory laminate stock that I have some questions about:
1. I free floated the barrel a year or so ago but have noticed accuracy hasn't improved. Rather, it seems it has gotten worse. I haven't been able to shoot much since I did it (a couple of times), but I truly believe it is being affected adversely. When I was out shooting this past week I was getting a couple of shots that would group together and then a couple of shots would be 4 inches or so higher (left to right seemed fine). Then the next few would be lower again. I took a piece of cardboard and slid it between the forearm (at the end and the barrel) and barrel and accuracy definitely seemed to increase. The cardboard was snug. Is this typical?
2. Is this a good rifle to build on/modify or should I consider buying something new?
3. The trigger on the rifle is stock. Is it best to to take it to a gunsmith and have them adjust it or buy a new trigger? If I buy a new trigger, what type/brand is best and do I need to have a gunsmith install it?
4. I am also thinking about bedding the action. I've seen a "how to" on other sites. Is this something I can do my self (I am pretty handy and have plenty of tools etc)?
5. I would like to add a better recoil bad...any suggestions on the best brand/type? I want something that fits well so I'm thinking a grind-to-fit. Maybe a limbsaver or pachmayr? Any other tips on reducing recoil?
6. Should I keep the laminate stock or consider a synthetic?
6. Any other suggestions on how to improve the rifle? It was a graduation gift years ago so has a lot of sentimental value and I would prefer to keep it if possible.
Thanks!
1. I free floated the barrel a year or so ago but have noticed accuracy hasn't improved. Rather, it seems it has gotten worse. I haven't been able to shoot much since I did it (a couple of times), but I truly believe it is being affected adversely. When I was out shooting this past week I was getting a couple of shots that would group together and then a couple of shots would be 4 inches or so higher (left to right seemed fine). Then the next few would be lower again. I took a piece of cardboard and slid it between the forearm (at the end and the barrel) and barrel and accuracy definitely seemed to increase. The cardboard was snug. Is this typical?
2. Is this a good rifle to build on/modify or should I consider buying something new?
3. The trigger on the rifle is stock. Is it best to to take it to a gunsmith and have them adjust it or buy a new trigger? If I buy a new trigger, what type/brand is best and do I need to have a gunsmith install it?
4. I am also thinking about bedding the action. I've seen a "how to" on other sites. Is this something I can do my self (I am pretty handy and have plenty of tools etc)?
5. I would like to add a better recoil bad...any suggestions on the best brand/type? I want something that fits well so I'm thinking a grind-to-fit. Maybe a limbsaver or pachmayr? Any other tips on reducing recoil?
6. Should I keep the laminate stock or consider a synthetic?
6. Any other suggestions on how to improve the rifle? It was a graduation gift years ago so has a lot of sentimental value and I would prefer to keep it if possible.
Thanks!