77 Hawkeye All Weather Ultra Light rebarrel/restock

[WoodsQuest]

Two years ago I picked up a stainless all weather ultra light hawkeye in .243. Since that time I've moved back north and have been kicking around the idea of rebarreling or reboring/chambering it to .260/6.5 CM, .308, or .338 Federal. If I did this I want to keep the lines of the UL and its 20 inch barrel. I also would replace the plastic stock with a fiberglass stock, probably from Manners.

1) Is it worth it, or should I just leave the UL alone since they are discontinued? Even here in Upstate NY a .243 with the right bullets will get the job done. Just looking for a better all-around cartridge for large game.

2) Who does good Ruger work? If I'm going dump $1k+ into a custom job I want it done right.

 

[Enigma]

First, from my cursory check, it doesn't appear that Manners offers stocks for the Ruger bolt guns. Second, some gunsmiths - mostly those who build precision rifles (benchrest, tactical, long range hunting, etc.) won't work on Ruger bolt guns. Granted, a lot of smiths will, but I'd be very certain before I go too deep into this project.

For a .260 Remington build, I would definitely use a long action. If you build one on a short action, chances are that you WILL regret it - especially if you handload.

Personally, I would choose a different action for a custom build in any caliber, but that's just me. There is a much, much better selection of aftermarket parts and accessories, and a much broader base of custom gunsmiths who support other actions. I'd leave the UL alone, and enjoy it for what it is.

 

[rugerjunkie]

I'd have to agree with Enigma...I'd pick a different action. If I were going to build one tomorrow I'd be using a Weatherby Vanguard action.

 

[WoodsQuest]

That's just a Howa 1500 action. I thought about that, but they're made in Japan, not that it really matters, just meh I dunno, Howa's are pretty solid rifles. Same company that made Arisakas if I'm not mistaken.

 

[TREE 'EM]

Check with Rick at Extreme Rifle Works for the project
https://www.extremerifleworks.com

Look at MPI for the stock.