Hogue stock opinions for Ruger M77 MKII?

[fariaguard]

I have a Ruger M77 MKII in 7mm Rem Mag w/ standard barrel purchased new in the mid 90's with the ugly and hard kicking black plastic "skeleton" stock. The butt stock is sort of hollowed out on the sides. If I do my part this rifle will group 1.5" consistently at 100 yards with several ammo brands.

I was looking at the Hogue over molded full length aluminum bedding block model as I've read Hogue stocks are flexy and I thought this version would be better. I cant afford the ultra rigid carbon or fiberglass composites on the market from other manufacturers. I understand it will free float the barrel.

Will this purchase be an improvement over the "skeleton" stock? Better accuracy? Less flex? Kick less?
Thanks!

 

[Scorch]

They are a pretty good stock, but heavy. Not a deal-breaker, just FYI.

 

[jmr40]

Accuracy will be about the same. It'll add at least 1/2 lb to the rifles weight if you go with the version with pliars. The full bedding block is at least a full pound heavier. That along with the better recoil pad will help with recoil, but it'll be a pig to carry around.

A better option IMHO is to call Ruger and ask about the newer synthetic stocks they used on the synthetic Hawkeye All Weather rifles before they were discontinued. Last one I bought was $85 shipped, but I know they have gone up and may no longer be available. If not available they show up used on e-bay and gunbroker for around $50. You get a much better feeling stock in my opinion, it is still lightweight and it comes with a modern hi-tech recoil pad that works very well

Just be aware, the stock you have has reached cult like status among many Ruger fans. Personally I can't stand them and that is why I ordered one from Ruger. You can sell the factory stock to someone for more than the cost of replacing it with a factory stock.

 

[603Country]

I bought the aluminum bedding block Hogue for my Hawkeye. I can't honestly say it shot better or worse with the new stock, but like JMR40 said, it was real heavy. I put the Hogue in a corner of my workshop and put the original synthetic stock back on it.