Ruger model 77 rsm 416 Rigby

[tahearn]

I have a Ruger model 77 rsm in 416 Rigby. I have read several articles on the recoil system and that it is not necessary and faulty. Has anyone with a similar model experienced any problems. I am think of having a new stock made in order to eliminate the system. Thanks for any info.

 

[Silent Sam]

I assume you are talking about the the recoil plate in the forearm. There are many misconceptions concerning Ruger bedding in general and especially the RSM's. Many don't like Rugers because of the angled bedding screw and think that in itself is problematic. It isn't, it just isn't the same as a Remington which everybody knows how to bed. The recoil plate and cross bolt are in addition to, not a replacement for, Ruger's normal bedding on lighter rifles. If you replace the stock to eliminate the plate you still have the angled screw and the provision for the cross bolt which should be used on any hard kicker anyway. The only possible advantage would be losing the weight of the plate. That may or may not be a plus... You won't be making it any stronger. If you want to turn it into something it's not, I would make sure you can put it back to the original configuration. Otherwise you are just destroying the value and it would be easier to start with something more "conventional". If you treat it as you would any rifle with substantial recoil and make sure the recoil is being handled by the proper parts (i.e. not the tang for example) you won't have any problems. RSM's were Ruger's premier line of bolt rifles and were generally fitted pretty well.

 

[crotalis]

I put many! full patch (near 416 weatherby equivalent) rounds thru my early RSM with no problems. Be sure the top tang does not touch the stock on the rear end! Later I slicked up the action, added a second cross bolt, slimed and rounded the stock as much as I could without loosing the checkering , installed a real recoil pad and steel epoxy bedded the action and most of the barrel. If you carefully look at the hokie plate/recoil lug system you will see you can't just leave the plate out, if you did you would have to weld a conventional recoil lug to the action or barrel.