375 Alaskan Stock replacement

[mlazarus5388]

I was lucky enough to pick up one of the 375 Alaskans in stainless steel and laminated stock for a reasonable price when CDNN was blowing them out. The thing is stupid accurate (to the tune of four round, sub 3/4 groups with Hornady 250 grain GMX bullets) and has already accounted for game. The problem I am having is I find the rifle ugly.

I'm looking for suggestions to replace the stock. Ruger refuse to sell one of their walnut stocks, instead insisting I send them the gun for such complicated work.

So am I being shallow? Should I accept the rifle for what it is and just shoot it? Anyone use Boyds for restocking?

Outside of it's appearance, the ugly thing is becoming my favorite rifle and I truly enjoy shooting it. Just not looking at it.

Obligatory pictures follow.

 

[Rumrunner]

I wish I had that problem. Depending on cost it may be worth it to send to Ruger and let them re-stock it.

 

[SweetWilliam]

As much as I'm a ruger fan I have to agree with you on the laminated stocks they used for they're Alaskans. All though yours doesn't look to bad. Theirs some that have green & orange in them that IMO are hideous looking. And they have a goofy looking butt shape to them. Maybe the guide guns they're producing now?
If you want a walnut stock for it the first thing to do is find out the price from ruger.

 

[Rocdoc]

Why mess with it? Looks good to me. Guns like that are made to kill game, not to look at.

 

[Stump Buster]

I think it looks GREAT!!! I'd leave it exactly as it is (especially since it's shooting so well). It looks like a perfect working gun and that gray stock will blend in well with a LOT of different terrain too. Heck, if that didn't convince you, I'll send you the factory Hogue off my 416 Alaskan and pay for your shipping if you want to trade.

Stump

 

[SweetWilliam]

Yea when I said some of Rugers laminated stocks are ugly looking I wasn't talking about the above one. That's definitely a nice looking rifle. And the way it's shooting I don't think I'd change anything.
Have you done any reloading for the 375? Or just shooting factory stuff?

 

[mlazarus5388]

Stump Buster, thanks for the offer. I am not a fan of the Hogue stocks either as I find them too fat.

I do reload for the rifle and have been getting excellent results.

So does anyone have experience with Boyd's Stocks? I've been eyeing some of the wood stocks they sell.

 

[Stump Buster]

I just got a Boyd's nutmeg stock in for my Dad's Winchester 88 on Monday. It is unfinished and will require a trip to Jack Huntington for fitting/finishing. Overall it looks to be a nice stock, but it will require some sanding/shaping work on the forend as one side was left a little wider than the other next to the barrel channel. For $95, I think it's going to work out pretty good! (I'll try and get a picture posted up a little later)

Boyd's does offer finished stocks for some models and the Ruger 77 might be one of them. Best to call and ask.

Like I said though, I think the stock on your rifle looks perfect for that set-up & I'm one of those weird guys that actually likes the feel and quietness of the Hogue stocks. I replaced the black one from the factory with an OD pillar bedded model on my 416...

 

[700xcr]

Get rid of that cartridge holder on the butt stock and the rifle will become more attractive. The old saying is if it's not broke don't try to fix it. Rifle groups like that leave it alone. My two cent worth.

 

[Titleist]

If you like synthetic stocks you might like the HS Precision. I put one on my .375 African and liked it very much.

 

[mlazarus5388]

Get rid of that cartridge holder on the butt stock and the rifle will become more attractive. The old saying is if it's not broke don't try to fix it. Rifle groups like that leave it alone. My two cent worth.

Okay, I removed the buttstock shell holder. I went to a belt mounted cartridge holder. It actually does look a lot better. I may keep it like this now...
Thanks for all the input guys.