Calling Ruger RSM experts

Bowie

Bowie

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In my search for an RSM in .375, I have noticed that some have a barrel band located ahead of the fore end (in the traditional location) but some have the bottom of the band inlet into the fore end, and the corresponding sling stud protruding through the bottom of the stock.
Do these two variations simply reflect different dates of manufacture, or do they also represent other differences as well?
Any information on the different "sub models" is greatly appreciated.

Also if anyone knows where there is one for sale, please let me know.
Thanks.
 
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People #####ed about the weight of the original .375's.
Eventually they lightened the gun a bit .I'm not sure but I think they just cut the barrel an inch ,
maybe they moved the front sling swivel too.
 
I know Ruger began making a series of big bores with the forend stud. They listened to the suggestions to move it out ahead on the barrel - which they did after about a year I think. Made em that way thereafter. These are my recollections and so consider as such. However a key point is that I'm thinking this was on their magnum series rifle and not the RSM. But I'm not sure - even though I lived thru those times watching the changes unfold. Are you sure it's an RSM you see with a forend stud?
Sorry - not an RSM expert. Shouldn't have responded probably.
 
Whelen B said:
I know Ruger began making a series of big bores with the forend stud. They listened to the suggestions to move it out ahead on the barrel - which they did after about a year I think. Made em that way thereafter. These are my recollections and so consider as such. However a key point is that I'm thinking this was on their magnum series rifle and not the RSM. But I'm not sure - even though I lived thru those times watching the changes unfold. Are you sure it's an RSM you see with a forend stud?
Sorry - not an RSM expert. Shouldn't have responded probably.
Click to expand...

I don't know the answer to the OP's question. However you are correct for the, new in 2008, Ruger African which is of course the standard Ruger long action and not the magnum action of the earlier RSMs. The first African's had the stud in the forearm, which drew criticism and the subsequent African's have a band.

As for the RSM I would wait until Ardent inevitably joins in the conversation. I have never seen one without a band.
 
I believe early RSM models had a stock mounted swivel with a 24" barrel.
In the late 90's they went to a barrel band and 23" bbl.
Both have Circassian walnut stocks with ebony tip and an integral quarter rib. They are heavy rifles, but craftsmanship is far superior to any other Ruger bolt gun, IMO. They are nothing like the Hawkeye African.

I've had an early model RSM in 416 Rigby and a later one in 375. Nice rifles.
 
Hi,

I am not an expert on the RSM (Ruger Safari Magnum), but own two of these and can give you some notes based on my observations.

My rifles are chambered in 375 H&H (Serial No 780-###) and 458 Lott (Serial No 750-###) and both have barrels of about 22.75", and not 23". Both measure 19.13mm at the muzzle. Both have the quarter rib with one fixed sight and two flip-up sights, and both have black wooden tips (ebony?) on the fore end.

The 375 H&H has the sling stud through the wood onto a barrel band there, and a finer brass front bead, while the 458 Lott has the barrel band sling mount in front of the wood on the barrel, and then two additional recoil screws in the front section of the walnut Circasian (?) stock, and a bigger express-style white bead as a front sight.

In the 1997 book by R. L Wilson "Ruger and his guns", the picture on page 252-253 shows a 375 H&H RSM (# 780-57436) with the barrel band as on my rifle, with the sling stud going through the wood into the barrel band positioned behind the black fore end tip. He list that barrel as 22" long.

Both rifles hold four rounds of ammo.

RSA1
 
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Does anyone have a pic of the barrel band with stud through-the-wood?

I'd like to see that, only for my own curiosity.
 
Well back in the game! As I bought a Ruger RSM in 375 H&H off the EE, I had one before and sold it! And knew that was a mistake as soon as I did it! Very well built rifles.
I know they are on the heavy side, but helps in the recoil department which I like. This one has the sling band on the barrel, and not through the wood.
 
I have had three of the RSM's, two of which were .375 H&H rifles, one of which was Ardent's old rifle... which had the barrel band stud, the second had the forend stud through to barrel band inset in the forend wood... this rifle was a pound lighter than the barrel band rifle... my (possibly mistaken) understanding is that the lighter rifle was a slight redesign in response to the complaints of heavy weight... I agree with the poster above that the weight was not at all "off-putting" to me... the rifle feels like it means business, the way a proper rifle should mean business. My problem with the RSM rifles has nothing to do with the rifle itself, but rather that it is chambered for cartridges that are largely overkill for the relatively anemic quarry that make up my usual suspects. I have owned both 750-###XX and 780-###XX rifles.
 
Here are a couple of pic's nothing special, just thought I'd post
DSC01340_zpsfbbvrkxn.jpg

DSC01343_zpsux9o7ydh.jpg
 
Nice rifles they are. Some have exceptional wood as well.
Barrel band or not wouldn't stop me from buying one that is in real nice shape. I have three, two of which are unfired sitting in the back of my cabinet. They seem to be getting harder to find as the collectability increased when they stopped making them. A unique piece for sure.
 
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