DIY Hunting Rifle Upgrade — 6.5 Creedmoor Ruger American Rifle
The NRA’s American Rifleman showcased an interesting project this week — an upgraded Ruger American Rifle Predator in 6.5 Creedmoor. The video below shows how a laminated wood stock from Boyd’s Gunstocks was adapted for the Ruger. A Boyds Prairie Hunter model in gray laminate was selected. This was custom-bedded to the Ruger’s action using Brownell’s Acraglas.
All Ruger American Rifle models employ dual aluminum V-Blocks to support the action. These fit slots in the underside of the action. Boyds makes its own version of these V-Blocks which were installed in the Boyds stock to secure the action.
Project leader Joe Kurtenbach says the size, shape, and geometry of the Boyds V-Blocks is very accurate, so they fit the Ruger action well. To further support the action, Acraglas bedding compound was applied to the inside of the stock, after release compound was applied to the barreled action. With this DIY bedding job, the Boyds laminated stock is definitely an improvement over this original “Tupperware” factory stock.
DIY Bargain Hunter Upgrade
American Rifleman states: “The Ruger American has some great features—hammer-forged barrel, reliable action, crisp trigger — but many would not consider the molded, polymer stock to be among them. Luckily, there are aftermarket options to enhance the rifle’s utility and aesthetics. A durable, attractive stock from Boyds Gunstocks and some DIY action bedding, using Brownells Acraglas, is the next step in the precision-driven hunting rifle build.”
Choice of Gun and 6.5 Creedmoor Chambering
For this project, American Rifleman’s Joe Kurtenbach selected one of his favorite cartridges, the 6.5 Creedmoor. Introduced in 2007 by Hornady, the accurate, flat-shooting 6.5 Creedmoor has proven very popular with both hunters and tactical/PRS shooters. The Ruger American Rifle Predator was chosen for its affordable price, reliable action, and Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger.
In this video, Kurtenback explains how and why the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering and Ruger American Rifle were chosen for the Precision Hunter rifle build project.
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Tags: 6.5 Creedmoor, Acraglas, American Rifleman, DIY, Gunsmithing, Ruger American Predator
I purchased a Boyds stock for the Ruger creedmoor and it was not even close to fitting correctly. I am waiting for them to call back for an RMA number. Did you have to carve out the wood for it to fit?
I had same experience with Boyd’s on same RAP and stock. Not only that, but the required torque for the action bolts will easily crush the internal structures, if you torque to what Ruger states, which is what Boyd’s says to do. Now, Boyd’s won’t help and I’m stuck with a piece of firewood.
I purchased a boyd’s stock as a result of this test and I’m very pleased with the end result. My predator is shooting .75″ groups “out of the box” average at 100yds on my first trip out. I was hitting 3″ plates at 300 yards on my first try. What a great budget LR rifle this has turned out to be. Thanks for the video and tip, Boyd’s goes highly recommended for me!
Bill and Charlie: I thought the same thing on the stock, but the fact is, its extremely low tolerances make for a perfect fit. You just have to be patient with the stock and take your time mounting it. Btw I have a Ruger Predator 6.5 CM.
Be careful doing anything with a Boyd’s stock. I had fit issues with my RAP 6.5 and had the stock professionally bedded. The stock was not strong enough to hold a 65″ lb torque on the action screws, which is what Boyd’s states should be applied because that is what Ruger recommends. Because the stock was bedded, Boyd’s would not honor any stock warranty or satisfaction guarantee. It is now a beautiful club.
The required foot pounds by boyds and Ruger is 30 to 35 pounds per inch not 65 no wonder you ruined your stock.
Gary, the 30 – 35 inch pounds that you referanced is for the Ruger American Rimfire rifle. The American Rifle (i.e. Preditoe) requires 60 – 80 inch pounds.
Common knowledge is that no more than 35 inch pounds will be applied to wood that does not have pillar bedding. Boyd’s stocks are great. If minor fitting is beyond your skills than take it to a gunsmith. Not Boyd’s fault.
I have the same rifle with a boyds in LH. First bedding job… Did you bed the whole action or just the 2 lugs?
looking for a boyds to fit my ruger American predator with the AI and AR 15 style magazine
Check out the MDT SST chassis.