Try it Myself or Pay to Have it Done?

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Tophernj

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I recently purchased a Ruger M77 Varmint/Target in 308. I plan on getting it to the range to shoot it and see how it does. However I will most likely be looking to bed it for consistency more than anything (it's to be a target gun only).

My question: Should I try bedding it myself or give it to a VERY reputable 'smith to do the job. The Arcaglass system is $25 bucks, the pro job is $200.

I've never attempted something like this, but I am mechanically inclined. That said, the angled screw for the recoil lug has me flummoxed. Also, although my reading comprehension is pretty stellar, I am a visual guy and there is a lack of video help on the interwebs. Any help is appreciated.

Christopher
 
Bedding your own rifle can be a rewarding experience but before bedding you really want to shoot the rifle to get a good handle on exactly what you want to do and how much.

I suggest you give this thread a read. SlamFire has some really good pictures and illustrations. SlamFire is also still a very active member here and I am sure could answer many questions and help you out a good bit. Personally I would go for it as I said, it's a rewarding learning experience.

Ron
 
You have a free floating barrel with the action solid in a laminated stock that does not move.

Why do you feel the need to fix something that is not broke.

As said in the other post shoot the gun first. Chances are the gun will shoot better than you can hold.
 
"...You have a free floating barrel..." Floating a barrel guarantees nothing.
Absolutely shoot it first. Otherwise, you won't know if a bedding job made any difference. If you opt for the Acraglas kit, that work well, read and follow the directions religiously and you'll be fine.
I'm not seeing a screw for the recoil lug on an exploded drawing. Don't think I'd worry too much about it though.
 
Ruger actions have three (3) action screws: rear, mid (just behind the magazine box, and an angled one that attaches the floorplate and locks into the bottom of the front receiver lug. Getting consistent tension on the front screw is not trivial, and even a laminate stock will 'crush' (especially in the bottom metal area) as you snug it down.

I've often wondered if the Ruger action can be pillar bedded; the front pillar would definitely be an interesting challenge. If nothing else, I would expect the Ruger to act much like any other rifle when given a traditional bedding job.
 
rbernie said:
Ruger actions have three (3) action screws: rear, mid (just behind the magazine box, and an angled one that attaches the floorplate and locks into the bottom of the front receiver lug. Getting consistent tension on the front screw is not trivial, and even a laminate stock will 'crush' (especially in the bottom metal area) as you snug it down.

I've often wondered if the Ruger action can be pillar bedded; the front pillar would definitely be an interesting challenge. If nothing else, I would expect the Ruger to act much like any other rifle when given a traditional bedding job.
Click to expand...
PT&G sells a pillar kit for Rugers. I've considered it.

C
 
A few comments:
If your gunsmith charges $200 to glass bed, find another smith! There is not that much to it as you will learn when you do it yourself.
I question the need to pillar bed a flat bottom receiver such as the M77. I rout a generous u- shaped trench in the flat portion of the inletting behind the recoil lug for the glass to flow into. This in a way forms a stable "pillar" while leaving the original wood surface to properly index the action and retain the original inletting depth.
By the way, I normally bed at least one M77 a week.
 
Kp321 said:
A few comments:
If your gunsmith charges $200 to glass bed, find another smith! There is not that much to it as you will learn when you do it yourself.
I question the need to pillar bed a flat bottom receiver such as the M77. I rout a generous u- shaped trench in the flat portion of the inletting behind the recoil lug for the glass to flow into. This in a way forms a stable "pillar" while leaving the original wood surface to properly index the action and retain the original inletting depth.
By the way, I normally bed at least one M77 a week.
Click to expand...
I wish I lived in Texas, again.

Also, is there any chance you can snap a pic of what you mean when you say that you: "...rout a generous u- shaped trench in the flat portion of the inletting behind the recoil lug for the glass to flow into. This in a way forms a stable "pillar...""

C
 
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I'll be glad to snap a picture of the next M77 glass job I do. Now watch since I popped off there won't be one for a month!
 
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

No worries. I just got my glass yesterday. I'm waiting for Ruger to send the rings back as I need 30's and it comes with incher's. I also need to get some ammo loaded and that takes time. Plus, (as I said in my original post)I need to get some range time in as it's my first long-ish range rifle. Lots of learning to do.

C
 
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