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Ruger .44 Magnum Carbine stock

jsavage
Boy, I hope someone out there has an answer to this one. I have a Ruger .44 Magnum Carbine, purchased new in 1963 by my Grandfather. I love this rifle more than anything. It's never left me searching for the deer it shot and has never missed. As you might imagine, for three generations this gun has been in the woods, no less than 30 days a year for the last 41 years. Boy has that stock taken a beating! No cracks or splits or anything like that, just a lot of scratching, a few dings, and an ever so familiar place where the finish has rubbed off from being held tight on that daily quest after the big one.

Now the time has come to give this rifle a new life. The bluing is a piece of cake, recoil an magazine springs are easy to come by. The bolt and magazine, piston and barrel, all of the guts are in fine shape... I just can't find a stock for this rifle anywhere! I have searched the web for over a year, attended dozens of gun shows, and talked to all of my favorite smiths. I even called Ruger and they have no idea where such an item can be found. That is my query, where can I find a replacement stock for this rifle?

Thanks for all of your help.[:)]
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Comments

4 comments

Date Votes
  • Laredo Lefty
    That is a hard item to find. I was going to suggest looking at gun shows, but you have done that.

    The stock sounds like it would be a good candidate for a re-finish job. You said it has no splits or cracks, only minor damage.

    I would get some coarse, medium, and fine sandpaper, and make a project out of it. I have refinished numerous rifle stocks, and they came out looking great.

    Start with the coarse, and sand off the finish and the scratches and dings. After you get the imperfections out use the medium, then fine sandpapers to get it to a smooth texture. You can then stain it whatever color you want. I would then apply some boiled lindseed oil for a satin like finish or a varathane finish if you want a glossy finish.

    Joe
    "Never let school interfere with your education"
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  • Hangfire
    I agree with Joe on the refinishing. I've done it for over 40 years. If you've never done it before, I would suggest contacting a local antique restorer or furniture refinisher. They will be able to chemically strip off the finish [don't let them use a water rinse!!!] then steam out any dents. You can take it from there with a good refinishing kit like those offered from Brownells.

    Or just post back for suggestions as you progress...

    Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob
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  • notdownorout
    jsavage,

    There is a gentleman in Alabama who does unbelievably nice work on gun stocks and believe me he is a perfectionist. He will send you pictures of your stock at every step in his process to insure he is giving you exactly what you want. Best of all, he does all this for a very, very reasonable price. If you want his email address give me yours and I will have him contact you.

    Doing the refinish yourself or using someone as I just mentioned will probably be your only option. I too have yet to see one of these stocks for sale.
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  • Ramtinxxl
    I'm no "expert" but I wonder if Ruger would be able to supply a new stock...especially if you write that glowing testimonial to them, they might even provide it for free in exchange for some advertising use of your statements. Just a thought...cuz' I'm cheap and like to get things for free. Nothing ventured; nothing gained. And it would only cost a few minutes and a postage stamp. If they say NO to the freebie, they might offer one for sale anyway. [;)]
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