Thread: Rookie move

Recently had the stock off my Ruger American to lighten the trigger. I miss read the instructions when i put it back together and i think i tightened it to 70 foot lbs instead of 70 inch lbs. That works out to 840 inch lbs!

Barrel is no longer free floating and is grouping terribly. I realize i have put huge stress on the gun, just wanted to know what you guys think i should do?

Have noticed the stock is pretty flimsy so am thinking about getting the stock stabilizer kit from Ballistics studies and possibly bedding the action.

And suggestions would be appreciated.

First remove stock and see if you have done any damage. ie crushing.

Sent from my GT-S5360T using Tapatalk 2

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

First remove stock and see if you have done any damage. ie crushing.

Sent from my GT-S5360T using Tapatalk 2

Exactly, then reassemble to correct torque, and see if a $5 note will fit between the barrel, and the forend.

And what about using this stock stabilizer from Ballistics Studies?
Good idea?

Surely you didn't actually get it that tight, would have thought the bolt would have snapped or a thread would have stripped.

Just re do it and see what it shoots like, hopefully nothing is damaged.

Does it have a flexy stock that pisses you off trying to shoot off a bipod? if so then yes it will improve it somewhat, but it wont turn it into a good stock and it will be a bit heaver (this can be a good thing contrary to popular belief )
Stabilising the front end "may" improve your ability to shoot it accurately but wont improve the rifles ability to shoot accurately.
Bedding is more likely to improve the rifles accuracy but if its good already possibly no improvement.
Stiffen and bed and possibly still not be happy or buy a good stock and bed ? is it a keeper and worth the time and money and how accurate do you need it really honestly?

Originally Posted by veitnamcam

Does it have a flexy stock that pisses you off trying to shoot off a bipod? if so then yes it will improve it somewhat, but it wont turn it into a good stock and it will be a bit heaver (this can be a good thing contrary to popular belief )
Stabilising the front end "may" improve your ability to shoot it accurately but wont improve the rifles ability to shoot accurately.
Bedding is more likely to improve the rifles accuracy but if its good already possibly no improvement.
Stiffen and bed and possibly still not be happy or buy a good stock and bed ? is it a keeper and worth the time and money and how accurate do you need it really honestly?

Its got to be able to shoot a 1 lawn mower at a hundy mate,yep those mericans have the flimsy stock and I wouldn't think it would help to bed that stock.I had that with my Mod 70 stock I solved the problem by not using a bipod.

Seems there is no aftermarket stock option for the American due to the V bedding blocks. $70 bedding kit is cheaper than a new rifle so yeah i think its the option i want to take.
I'm just worried that its going to be worse once i release all that pressure.

Originally Posted by Heisenburg

Seems there is no aftermarket stock option for the American due to the V bedding blocks. $70 bedding kit is cheaper than a new rifle so yeah i think its the option i want to take.
I'm just worried that its going to be worse once i release all that pressure.

Only one way to find out.I know I feel amazing once ive relieved my pressure

I'd say it could only improve you may well find it goes back to how it shot prior to stripping it
Let us know how you get on.

Originally Posted by Neckshot

Only one way to find out.I know I feel amazing once ive relieved my pressure

And that last little gem is a little more information than we really needed to know

Originally Posted by mikee

And that last little gem is a little more information than we really needed to know

sometimes I Share

could it be your shooting that's causing the terrible groups? no criticism ive seen this other guy a mate of a mate who cocked around with his stocks on his model 70 which helped substantially but the real advancement in tight groups came about after alot of time on the trigger..... i dont know this guy of course just a mate of a mate............ of a mate............. of a mate, the rifle is unlikely to bust before the stock or the screw so id say loosen if off and re fit. compound does work well to stiffen forend however balance can be compromised if the but is hollow

Right so had the gun apart today, no visable damage to the bedding blocks or hex screws, PHEW! Have applied some loc-tight and lightly done it up. Barrel is free floating now but seems if i put the weight on the bi-pod it would come in contact with the stock again. Very flimsy. Off to the range after work tomorrow to shot some groups at 100yards and see the result.

See how it shoots, if you're committed to using a bipod then bedding compound should help to 'stiffen' everything up.