Good gunsmith who does wood stock/pad work

[InertiaDriven71]

When I lived in Arkansas, a gunsmith slaughtered the wood stock on my Ruger m77. He was supposed to remove the stock pad, cut shorter, and add a thicker Pachmayr pad to result in the same length of pull. He ended up cutting the stock way too short by mistake, adding a thick black spacer, and a Kik-Eze pad-- which I assume because it would be easier to grind. The pad has already had a couple of chunks come off, as some of those Kick-pads have done on some of my shotguns.

Now I live in Western KY, and I would like to find a gunsmith who is an expert at woodwork and installing Pachmayr pads to try rectify it somehow. Any suggestions of gunsmiths In Memphis, St. Louis, even Mississippi are welcome. Again, I prefer significant experience with stock/pad work. I used to have a guy in Western AL when I was at Mississippi State many years ago, but I assume he is retired.

Thank you in advance

 

[troy fairweather]

Any chance you have the wood that was cut off.

 

[InertiaDriven71]

No I don't, he pitched it. I have resigned to the fact that perhaps another spacer can be used, and with the addition of the Pachmayr pad, perhaps that would still be better than it is.

Also forgot to mention-- functionally the rifle works fine, but I want to hand it down to my son as a potential heirloom.

 

[George P]

https://www.ccgunstocks.com/

He's not local but he is excellent

 

[troy fairweather]

I'd see if you can find a piece I wood to replace the black spacer if possible.

 

[Riomouse911]

Or buy a Boyd’s with the LOP you want and do it over. I doubt the cost will be any more than a professional stock redo unless you go for AA or higher walnut.

https://www.google.com/search?q=boyds+stocks&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari#sbfbu=1&pi=boyds stocks

I did a brown laminated stock on my M-70 7mm Rem and it looks 100 times better than the old battered plastic one did.




Stay safe.

 

[DocRock]

https://www.ccgunstocks.com/

He's not local but he is excellent

Another endorsement. Dave did excellent work for me on a rifle stock that included checkering and fitting a substantial recoil pad. Great guy, pleasure to deal with.

 

[InertiaDriven71]

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I like the idea of completely replacing the stock, assuming I can get one that accommodates the Ruger Model 77's with the side safety (non-tang safety).

I had the barrel floated 20 years ago... For a stock change, that shouldn't be an issue I assume?