Ruger canoe paddle stocks

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HeadDamage

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Why did Ruger stop making the Zytel stocks for it's rifles? I will admit that I didn't like them when they first came out, they looked too hi-tech or something but other the years I've come to regard them as things of beauty and the pinnacle of the M77 line. I still like the M77 Hawkeye but they are a cheaper shadow of the original M77 mk2.

The Zytel stocks are so stiff and durable I don't think there is another stock that is as strong and light weight. I've owned a 338 win mag, 77/22, 77/22mag, 7.62x39, and now I've just picked up a gorgeous 300 win mag with iron sights that was hanging around on the exchange with no one showing it any love. I haven't shot the 300 yet but both the 338 and the 7.62x39 are very nice shooters and very accurate. It boggles my mind that there is not a stock like this available on the market and that Ruger stopped using it. I have a Ruger american, and though it is a good shooter the stock has the rigidity of an over cooked noodle. I can't use a sling when shooting because the stock bends so much.

Bring back the Zytel paddle stocks...

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[/url]IMG-6415 by A H, on Flickr[/IMG]
 
I too, am a fan. My guess is cost. Injection molded plastic is probably much cheaper. They have to stay cost competitive in the market. Very few are willing to pay for initial quality.
 
I really like the rifle, not a fan of the stock though. They look cool but I’d prefer a walnut, laminate or even the plastic synthetic
 
Have one in 338 wmag and using it as a working rifle. Not concerned if get bump and scratches. Must admit was not impressed when first came out. As one gun writer says “stronger than woodpecker lips”
 
I have had dozens of the paddle stock Mark II rifles.. always sold the stocks and restocked to Walnut or Laminate... I don't like the feel of the skeleton buttstock... they are tough though and it is not difficult to find a buyer.
 
I had one, used it as a hunting stock on my 257.
Liked it, but I found it cold to handle in the winter.
It's gone now and was easy to move.
As said above there is a cult following.

David
 
I have one, a .30-06. It's my tough-as-nails go anywhere and damn the weather kind of rifle. It's also fitted with a NECG peep and a factory front sight. And a decent Zeiss scope in the QD Ruger rings. I don't really like it, it's ugly and noisy and doesn't fit me real well, but it works. And will keep on doing what it needs to, come what may. I have several beautiful walnut stocked and polished, blued steel rifles to admire and pet and use for less severe duty. I just won't use them in conditions where the canoe paddle stock just shrugs and does its job.
 
Have one in 77/22 magnum that I bought in the 90’s. It’s been dragged thru 100 miles of northern Ontario bush after grouse and hares. Always does it’s job rain, shine, sleet or snow. Absolutely great little rifle!
 
It's a stainless gun, so obviously stock looks are not a priority either. Ruger likely ditched them because they did not sell as well as other options that look more traditional on an otherwise traditional bolt action hunting rifle. Most hunters are fairly conservative about what they want their deer rifle to look like.
 
I bought a new M77 Mk II in 7.62x39 (Davidson's Exclusive) back in the 80's that served me well for 20+ yrs. I would still own it, but went the
.45 cal cast boolit route in my rifles & never looked back.
Ruger M77 Mk II 7.62x39.jpg
 

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I had one on a 338 wm and while I’d agree that they were probably one of the lightest toughest stocks to come on a factory offered rifle I’d also have to say that it didn’t fit me very well, particularly I found the grip area a bit small for my hand but the biggest deal breaker was that the sling swivels made to much noise for hunting, drove me crazy the way those swivels squeaked and knocked against the stock when stalking through the woods. I think I wrapped them up with some electrical tape to cure the problem.
 
For their era they were pretty radical looking and they probably confused many hunters. I had a few and would prefer one over something like a wood laminate stock but they never fit me all that well and it was apparent they didn't mitigate recoil very well on larger cartridges. I eventually either sold the rifles or swapped the canoe paddle stock for a fiberglass one.
 
They were referred tons " boat paddle stocks" which is funny because you used oars in a boat,paddles in a canoe lol.I have an old ruger 10/22 stainless boat paddle ,they claimed it was the first design synthetic stock that would stand up to all temps wether it be hot or cold ,and not deteriorate,but I've seen a few break at the wrist like white metal lol.
 
SHELL SHUCKER said:
I bought a new M77 Mk II in 7.62x39 (Davidson's Exclusive) back in the 80's that served me well for 20+ yrs. I would still own it, but went the
.45 cal cast boolit route in my rifles & never looked back.
View attachment 521418
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I have one just like that other than someone took a rattle can to it. It is the most accurate factory rifle I own, shoots five shot groups of Federal blue box ammo into just under 2 inches and 200m. Not bad with surplus ammo either though I do sometimes have to re-#### and hit the primer a second time to light it off.
 
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