Ruger Hawkeye - no drill tripod attachment options

[Odawg785]

I own a Ruger Hawkeye in 30-06 that I would like to use on an arca plate tripod. If possible, would love to not place any additional screws into the walnut stock. Are there options out there for a rounded spotter style stock at don't require drilling for new hardware?

Having the rifle balance on the tripod is not important (don't think the balance could work with the plate so far forward anyway)

Currently using an Aziak Backcountry lite tripod for glassing w/ their ball head. So far it works well and it would be great to have one piece of gear to glass from and shoot in the field.

Would I be better off with a sling stud mounted bipod?

 

[huntsman22]

just use a clamp style......

 

[hereinaz]

I own a Ruger Hawkeye in 30-06 that I would like to use on an arca plate tripod. If possible, would love to not place any additional screws into the walnut stock. Are there options out there for a rounded spotter style stock at don't require drilling for new hardware?

Having the rifle balance on the tripod is not important (don't think the balance could work with the plate so far forward anyway)

Currently using an Aziak Backcountry lite tripod for glassing w/ their ball head. So far it works well and it would be great to have one piece of gear to glass from and shoot in the field.

Would I be better off with a sling stud mounted bipod?

If you have two swivel sling holes, bolt on a plate.

You can “bed” a short plate so that it cups the forend and then use the current swivel stud hole to attach. Use wax on the stock and JB weld on the plate. Tape off the stock and bed as you would an action basically.

 

[Odawg785]

just use a clamp style......

So I have a clamp style (Bog) and haven't been very happy with the stability compared to the arca plate I have on another rifle. That build is more of a range gun and way too heavy to take in the field (14lbs)

 

[hereinaz]

So I have a clamp style (Bog) and haven't been very happy with the stability compared to the arca plate I have on another rifle. That build is more of a range gun and way too heavy to take in the field (14lbs)

Clamps suck compared to ARCA… good call.

 

[Odawg785]

If you have two swivel sling holes, bolt on a plate.

You can “bed” a short plate so that it cups the forend and then use the current swivel stud hole to attach. Use wax on the stock and JB weld on the plate. Tape off the stock and bed as you would an action basically.

A second sling swivel stud wouldn't be the end of the world. Do you know of one where you can still use a sling with? Could always use a pack with a rifle scabbard but don't currently have one.

 

[Idagnome]

@Odawg785 what did you figure out? I have the same rifle and in a similar dilemma. Pictures?

A second sling swivel stud wouldn't be the end of the world. Do you know of one where you can still use a sling with? Could always use a pack with a rifle scabbard but don't currently have one.

 

[Odawg785]

I did not find a solution. However, I did get a rifle carrier for my pack that should work and have a Salmon River Solutions mini arca plate coming to me this week. It will require mounting with T nuts to the stock but hopefully it can be placed without overhanging on the checkered forend / interfering with the hinged floor plate.

I'll send an update with pics when I get it sorted

 

[Odawg785]

Alright, I got the Arca rail installed.
I took it to my gunsmith and they ended up with a solution. Way more expensive than I'd have hoped but buying a new rifle isn't in the cards for me right now.

Did have to drill through the stock but it's solid and I'm happy with it. They did not use the T nuts that came with the rail and instead used pillars placed directly in front of chamber of barreled action. (There's a small relief channel that allowed them to get it in there and bedded while still keeping a free float)

Balances well and isn't uncomfortable shooting on the bench. Right now there is a small layer of leather between the rail and stock to prevent any marring. I'll probably swap that out for a thin neoprene to prevent any swell with moisture.

If you aren't too attached to your M77 I'd say trade for a more compatible platform if Arca is a must for you.

But overall, it didn't ruin the classic look on this rifle (IMO) and is a functional upgrade.