M77 Tang Saftey Stock

[billtrev]

I just picked up a m77 in 7x57 that's in a cheepo ramline stock.
I would like to find a stock to replace it with.
Would the factory Ultra Light (for a tang safety) stock fit with just opening up
the barrel channel?

 

[mike7mm08]

Only difference would be the barrel channel. Action is the same. Cannot recall offhand if there is a big difference in the outer dimensions of the stock.

 

[Black Fly]

I replaced the original on my 06 RS with an UL stock. All I needed to do was to open the barrel channel. It really changes the handling characteristics. As much as I like the Tang Safety models, some of them had 2x6's for stocks, while others had some of the nicest handling stocks. It's only a quarter inch here or there, but the differences in hand are surprising. I wouldn't be unhappy to pick up a couple more RL stocks for my other RS's.
Bfly

 

[3DTESTIFY]

Black Fly nailed it. The early M77 stock profile was slender & trim, with a very nice balance in the hand. Sometime around late #71 prefix (1975), the stock profile gained weight in the forend & grip area, changing the balance & feel of the rifle. Why this happened, I don't know! I've owned a #73 prefix M77R/.243 which had 3/8" of forend wood on either side of the barrel channel, making the rifle feel very clubby in hand. I gladly traded it for an early M77.
By #75 prefix (1981), the stock went on a diet & returned to a similar profile of the early M77's. So, when purchasing a used stock, take note of these features. It's probably best to buy one at a local gun show, so you can visually inspect before purchasing.
The RL ultralight stocks are the best profile of them all, IMHO.

 

[billtrev]

Thanks for all the replies!

Looks like is gonna be an Ultra Light stock :mrgreen: