Ruger Red Label 20 gauge

[marksman13]

Hi guys. I just bought a Ruger Red Label 20 Gauge for next to nothing, and it is in great shape. The only non cosmetic blemish is a bad crack in the rear stock. Ruger lists their Circassian Walnut replacement stocks at nearly $200. Is there any where I can go to get a replacement cheaper than $200. I love this shotgun, but the crack is really bad and it seems as though it wouldn't take much to break the stock in half right in the middle of the pistol grip. The crack runs from the rear of the trigger guard into the pistol grip. I'll attach some pictures so you guys can get a visual and also to brag a bit.

 

[Dave McCracken]

A decent smith can fix that up so it's nigh invisible. I'd go there before replacing the stock. Won't be $200, but it won't be cheap either.

Nice gun....

 

[41magsnub]

On a whim I went "googling" for a stock for that gun. Other than one expired auction where the dude was asking for $350 I didn't find anything.

 

[marksman13]

I was wrong on that price too. $200 is the price of an American Walnut stock. The other was over $500. I got this shotgun super cheap and I don't mind putting a little extra money in it. How hard would it be for me to fix this crack myself? Epoxy and a clamp?

 

[mnrivrat]

I've done a lot of stock repair over the years and with careful work you can make repairs strong and nearly invisable.

The main product for bonding wood that I used was acraglas and I never had a return in many years of its usage. It is available from Brownells .

Can you do it yourself ? Depends on how handy you are. It's not rocket science , you just want to read the instructions for mixing the glass, do the work in a warm place where all parts are up to at least room temp. Don't smear the stuff all over where it don't belong and give it at least 24 hours to dry before you start fiddling with it. And yes - clamp it - work careful and you may turn out very happy with the results.

ps: expect to pay $65 to $75 for someone to do the work for you. Unless you want a complete re-finish of the wood which would be higher.

 

[marksman13]

The smith says he thinks he can fix my stock for $50-$65. I am stoked. I can't wait to put this gun on the dove field.