Slick up a Ruger M77 MKII?

[res308]

I have a Ruger M77 MKII .308 stainless with the standard 22" barrel. How can I smooth up the action? It's the typical rough Ruger action right now, but I'd like to get it slick and butter smooth, sort of like a Remington 700BDL action feels to me.

Also, I'd one day like to have a good gunsmith cut down the barrel to the "sweet spot" as close to about 18" as I can get it, for better handling characteristics. I would also very much like to have a gunsmith add a good set of iron sights to it as well.

Any ideas of the cost of such an operation and where to get it done in Middle TN?

Edited December 19, 2009 by res308

[TripleDigitRide]

As far as a good smith in the Middle Tennessee area, you should visit Guns and Leather in Greenbrier.

As far as the action goes, maybe you could start buy polishing with a Dremel.

[Hidalgo]

Not trying to be a smart-butt (I am a Ruger fan and own several) but you might consider selling it (unless you're in love with it) and buying a Tikka.

Like I said, I own several Rugers and they're GREAT rifles. But the action on my Tikka is as slick as it gets. Feels like butter ... not to mention the awesome accuracy.

[res308]

Didn't think you were.

But, why do you have a picture of me for your avatar?

I'm not against selling/trading at all. Here's what I'm after: A good working rifle with extreme reliability, good quick handling characteristics (+/- 18" barrel), capable of good short/medium/slightly longer range accuracy, with the capability of mounting a scope in the conventional position as well as the "scout" position, with a good set of backup iron sights, and a cut-out for stripper clips. In .308.

Not that I try to make things complicated or anything.