Ruger Gunsite Scout Stock question

[Hastings]

I have a Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle with 16" barrel and laminated stock. Fantastic rifle, but I have been kicking myself for not getting the version with the synthetic stock. The laminated stock is nice, but pretty heavy for such a handi, compact little rifle.

I know there was initially some difficulty getting a plain, synthetic aftermarket or Ruger stock for the rifles. Does anyone know whether there is a reasonably priced synthetic stock option for these now? Not looking for a $450 fiberglass stock, or a thumbhole version, just a plain, simple stock like the ones that come on some of the factory stainless GSR's. Most of the searches I've done online turn up posts from 2012. I've checked the various aftermarket stock makers and they seem to only offer tactical stuff, or wildly expensive fiberglass options.

 

[jmr40]

Call Ruger and ask about buying the factory synthetic stock from them. I bet it is going to be the best deal by a wide margin. I've purchased 2 stocks from them. I paid $85 for one of the synthetics for a Hawkeye and about $50 for a Ruger American stock. Plus shipping of course. It has been several years since buying the Hawkeye stock and I know they've gone up, just don't know how much. I'd bet you should be able to get one for $150ish. You could then sell the laminated stock for $50-$100.

There are very aftermarket stocks for Ruger and most are high end.

 

[chicharrones]

Shop online for that stock, if you prefer.

http://shopruger.com/Ruger-Gunsite-Scout-Synthetic-Stock/productinfo/90574/

 

[Hastings]

Wow, checked the Ruger site two weeks ago and they were not selling them at that time. The site now lists them as out of stock, but that's better than not listed at all.

Thanks for the heads-up. I guess I'll back order one asap. I'm excited.

 

[chicharrones]

Bummer, I could have sworn that link had stocks in inventory when I posted it.

I've thought about getting the Ruger synthetic stock from time to time, but when I shoot my GSR I actually appreciate the extra weight. Although, the lighter stock would offset the weight of optics, which would be nice.

 

[Hastings]

I agree, the weight of the laminated stock makes it very comfortable to shoot.

That weight isn't an issue when hunting if I carry it on the sling, but I prefer to carry my rifle in my hand much the way you'd carry a Winchester 94. That's when the added weight begins to loose it's luster.

I'm not recoil sensitive, so lighter is better from my perspective. I'll save the heavy stocks for range work.

Thanks again for the info. At least I know they now offer them. Maybe I'll give them a call and see what the lead time is on the next batch.

 

[greyling22]

wouldn't any stock for a ruger 77 work? you might just have to open up the barrel channel a bit.

 

[Hastings]

I think the mag well opening is different. Could be wrong, but the mag release on the GSR is a different arrangement from the magwell cover-plate release on standard M77's. Probably end up having to do a lot of stock removal (pun intended) in order to make it fit, and then devise a mag catch system that would work with the detachable mags.

 

[greyling22]

I think the mag well opening is different. Could be wrong, but the mag release on the GSR is a different arrangement from the magwell cover-plate release on standard M77's. Probably end up having to do a lot of stock removal (pun intended) in order to make it fit, and then devise a mag catch system that would work with the detachable mags.

Oh, OK. I figured it was all attached to the bottom metal. At least, that's how I'd design my gun if I was trying to reuse as much of my tooling and equipment t as possible.

 

[Hastings]

That's what I initially thought, but I don't think so.

I think the internal mag frame is smaller than the opening that receives the mag on a GSR. That would make sense, since the rounds need to fit into the M77 internal mag in much the same way they fit into the detachable mag - meaning that the outside of the detachable metal mags are probably the same dimension as the internal metal mag well on the M77 and the GSR throat is larger by the amount required to accept the mag. Not sure on that. I don't have an M77 kicking around to try swapping with. I'll have to track one down and try it out. It would be fantastic if it will work.

 

[Ibmikey]

My Scout is in .223 with the laminated stock, i mounted my scope in the traditional fashion rather than on the forward position and use it in a blind for hogs. Slick rifle but i would like to see polymere 5 or 10 round mags ( like offered for the .308) rather than the sheet metal monster that it now sports.

 

[Crowcifier666]

Not too impressed with my Ruger polymer mags in .308. I have a few 5 rounders, and one failed to retain rounds with less than 100 rounds through it. Didn't build my confidence...

Looking into 5 round steel mags....

 

[200Apples]

.
Hastings, check the ShopRuger site daily for that composite stock. I purchased one six months ago with a phone call; while the Ruger service rep was taking my info I was looking at the website; there was 1 left. The rep said I got *that* one. Inventory comes and goes, so, again; check daily.

As for the installation, it's two bolts rather than four. Drop the action into the stock according to the printed instructions sent with the stock. Torque to (in/lb) spec. The reduction in weight is dramatic. The rifle now is all barrel. Haven't shot mine yet in this config; I've gone down the .41 and .44 magnum reloading hole, and have purchased my third 1911. wheee.

 

[Predator55]

Going to the synthetic will raise your felt recoil, something to think about.

 

[200Apples]

Going to the synthetic will raise your felt recoil...

The reduction in overall weight will increase perceived recoil, yes, but both of these Ruger stocks' design with little drop (in comb?) makes the rifle more comfortable to shoot. Then there's that great Ruger recoil pad...

 

[dh1633pm]

I got the synthetic stock model. Love it. It has a pretty effective break compared to a flash hider. You can't go wrong with a Ruger branded stock.

 

[Hastings]

I'm checking the Ruger site daily. Eventually they will have one or two in stock and I'll get one.

I owned a very nice older Ruger M77 compact 308 (blued with walnut stock). I believe that rifle only weighted 6.5 lbs. Even with the hottest loads, the felt recoil never remotely approached the recoil of really heavy reloads in my 18" Marlin 1895 Guide Gun, or 12ga 3.5" magnum long-range waterfowl loads thru an unported Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag. My first rifle was a 45-70 - learned to love recoil at an early age, so a synthetic stock on the GSR will not be a problem. If I could get the weight down to 5lbs I'd be even happier.

 

[dh1633pm]

Your right. But I saw a guy at the range with a Model 7 Remington in 308. He wished for a little recoil reduction. I would still go the same route as you if mine GSR was laminated. I love the synthetic stock. And an 1895G Marlin with a stout 45-70 load will set you back a bit.

 

[ElPasoCounty]

I know this thread is almost 9 months old but I would be interested in buying a used, original laminate stock if anyone is interested in parting with theirs. I cracked mine when it was slung on my back and I fell.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jmr40]

I like Ruger rifles quite a bit, but there are very few options for aftermarket synthetic stocks. The high end stocks made by McMillan and others costing $500+ are about the only options. If you really want laminate Boyds might be an option if you can't find a factory take off. Or you could just order another directly from Ruger.

But I'd just buy the syntheticstock from Ruger and forget about the boat anchor laminate stock they sell. Laminate is just heavy, not really any tougher nor more stable than solid wood. You won't break the synthetic stock, Ruger should have never offered that rifle in anything but synthetic. There is a 4-5 month wait for a McMillan right now and even if you're Ruger factory stock is back ordered it'll be quicker, and a lot cheaper.

 

[CraigC]

ILaminate is just heavy, not really any tougher nor more stable than solid wood.

Yeah, that just isn't true at all.

Ruger should have never offered that rifle in anything but synthetic.

My preference is walnut but I'll take a laminate over a synthetic any day of the week.

 

[Varminterror]

I'll second CraigC's statements - you can't sell me a synthetic stocked GSR, or almost any other rifle, for that matter, but I'm content with my laminate GSR's. In fact, I even spend EXTRA to buy laminate replacement stocks aftermarket when I buy rifles which come with synthetic. Just never have found any use for plastic stocks which I wouldn't prefer wood or laminate.

 

[Gtscotty]

Not me, one of the reasons I sold my laminate GSR was it was just too heavy for what it was. If I got another one, and I do get the itch every now and then, I would only consider the synthetic stocked version.

 

[Varminterror]

As a general rule, if you don't want a heavy rifle, don't get a Ruger M77 of any kind. No matter what barrel, stock, or bottom metal are bolted to it, the action itself starts a half pound to 3/4lb heavier than same length in the Rem 700. You can make a GSR lighter, but you can't ever really make a Ruger what I'd call "light" among its class.

 

[dh1633pm]

I love my synthetic stocked version. It is plenty light enough. And the stocks are again showing as available on Rugers Website.