Ruger 77/22

[ToddsPoint]

Now that the 39-A is finished I’m starting on a Ruger .22. This wood came from a huge crotch I got at the landfill. It would have been burned. I milled slabs with my logosol mill and sent a blank to a friend with a duplicator machine along with my original stock. The blank had air dried for 6 yrs. This is what the stock looked like when I got it back from the duplicator.

Here’s what the wood looks like with a little water to show the color.

This first thing I did was cut 1/2” off the butt and added a pad.

This is an older Pachmayr pad I had. Made in the USA. All the new pads are Chinese.


The forend of this stock is really plain so I added a piece of fancy walnut to the tip.

Now I can start inletting the action.

 

[ncsuwolf]

While I begrudgingly agree that a synthetic stock is “better” than wood (scratching, warping, etc), the beauty of a nice piece of wood is what “makes” a firearm in my opinion. Those are going to be some beautiful rifles when you’re done.

 

[The Rebel]

Beautiful wood, love the grain pattern. The walnut adds a nice touch as well.

 

[tamrock]

I had one. Was given to me by a room mate long ago as he couldn't come up with all of his half the rent. He moved on and a few months after came over and asked if he could borrow it to go hunt rabbits. I said sure. After that he never came back with it.

 

[ToddsPoint]

I haven’t forgotten about this job. I got it taped off and ready to inlet. You first coat the metal receiver with inletting black, then press it to the wood. It’s more or less black ink mixed with thick oil. It’s extremely messy and speads everywhere. The ink transfers a mark to the wood so you can remove only what’s necessary for a perfect fit. It’s a slow process but when the stock was run on the duplicator a large portion of the internal wood is already removed. Making a stock from just a chunk of wood takes way more time. Double at least.

 

[ToddsPoint]

I’m back to working on my Ruger. Started it a year ago but got into other projects. The receiver and bottom parts are all inletted. I’ll drill the holes today. I’m hoping I can finish before New Years.

 

[russau]

Simply beautiful wood graining and also I like the Tigering on your cabinet also ! I'm surprised that the opposite door hadn't had the same wood Tigering (mirrored image) as the opposite door ! BUT beautiful in any event !

 

[releventchair]

looking like tough as heck burl through and around the wrist.
Duplicator sure did cut/ shape it though.

 

[Hendrix]

Very nice!

 

[ToddsPoint]

Simply beautiful wood graining and also I like the Tigering on your cabinet also ! I'm surprised that the opposite door hadn't had the same wood Tigering (mirrored image) as the opposite door ! BUT beautiful in any event !

Here’s what it looks like wet. This was cut from a huge crotch I got at the local log dump. Walnut logs get snatched up quick but no one wants the crotches, which have the prettiest wood. Crotch wood is notoriously hard to dry without checking. I’ve figured out a way to dry it without checks.

 

[ToddsPoint]

I cut the tip off of the stock and added a piece of fancy wood. I sanded the scrap piece I cut off and added some finish to see what it will look like. It should look pretty good when it’s finished.

 

[Retired Sarge]

Wow that is some gorgeous figuring in that wood. Going to be an awesome piece when done

 

[ToddsPoint]

All the metal is now inletted. I’m starting to sand out the deep scratches and small dips the duplicator made. It’s sanded to 80 grit now. The stock to the right came from the same crotch as the other. I was lucky to get two dandy stocks from that big crotch.

 

[Retired Sarge]

All the metal is now inletted. I’m starting to sand out the deep scratches and small dips the duplicator made. It’s sanded to 80 grit now. The stock to the right came from the same crotch as the other. I was lucky to get two dandy stocks from that big crotch.View attachment 2238140View attachment 2238142

Definitely going to be a conversational piece when done.

 

[ToddsPoint]

As I sanded to the finer grades I found two cracks. Cracks are never good! Cracks are along growth rings. If this was a large caliber rifle this stock would be toast. Luckily it’s just a 22 with low recoil. I put colored epoxy in the cracks, inside and out.
It’s the best I can do and hope it doesn’t show too bad.🤷🏼

 

[WoodsDigger]

I’m back to working on my Ruger. Started it a year ago but got into other projects. The receiver and bottom parts are all inletted. I’ll drill the holes today. I’m hoping I can finish before New Years.View attachment 2237419View attachment 2237420

Very nice, I have 2 , 77s one in 7x57 and one on 22mag. The 7x57 had for 40 deer seasons . Everyone says try a new rifle im like no way. Silky smooth bolt like no other.
Love your posts. Lots of smart folks out there but to make it come out your finger tips is a special combination.

 

[ToddsPoint]

Two coats now. No problems. I have to build up enough coats to fill all the open pores. The one bad thing about American walnut. Once the pores are filled, I can wet sand it with 400 and spray the final coat.

 

[Retired Sarge]

View attachment 2239110

Two coats now. No problems. I have to build up enough coats to fill all the open pores. The one bad thing about American walnut. Once the pores are filled, I can wet sand it with 400 and spray the final coat.

Going to look like a presentation piece with that gorgeous stock.....

 

[Tesorodeoro]

You’re a craftsman. Something to be proud of.

 

[russau]

Just a example of what skill and patience can accomplish ! Very Nice Gary !