Hogue Over Molded Stock

Ade cade ago Hogue (HogueInc.com, 800/GET- GRIP), a noted maker of custom wood, rubber, and synthetic grips and other firearm accessories, introduced a line of rifle stocks. They are most famously available for the Ruger 10/22 and enjoy a wide range of models for bolt action rifles as well. Claims are made that the stocks increase accuracy while decreasing recoil. Let’s take a look. The stocks feature a full-length CNC machined bedding block of aluminum construction. It is basically built-in pillar bedding.

The rubberized stock is comfortable, and while not heavy, they have a solid feel. My opinion is these stocks are superior to common hollow stocks. The Hogue Over Molded does not rattle and does not have a hollow sound. The finish is nice and even. Top: The original Ruger M77 Mk II with wood stock was serviceable but could stand improvement. The stocks have proven rugged in hard use. They do not scratch easily. The stock has a soft feel and offers a good firing grip.

The Over Molded stock seems immune to cleaning solvents and lubricating oils.

The Hogue Over Molded stock makes it a dream come true. After installing quite a few Hogue Over Molded stocks I find that the majority are free floated without any type of difficulty. Occasionally, as might be expected of mass-produced items, some trimming around the action or the magazine box has been required. It is difficult to say if the stock itself or the rifle’s dimensions were off. The loading block is cleanly machined from high-quality aluminum. There is no play or loose motion.

The stock has no flex or wobble before or after mounting. The aluminum block is properly positioned to be certain there is no contact between the barrel and stock making it a true free floating stock. The Hogue Over Molded is more complex than it first appears. The stock is rubber on the outside but the actual chassis is fiberglass. The rubber and fiberglass are chemically bonded and rigidly mated together. Installation First, be certain the rifle is unloaded and then be certain that the rifle is unloaded.

Before proceeding— and this will save a lot of sweat and perhaps a thrown invective or two—is to be certain you know how many stock screws there are. Some of you old hands will laugh but it pays to check. In this instance I was working with a Ruger M77 Mk II long action in 7mm Remington Magnum. The trigger guard featured a bolt in the front and the rear of the trigger guard that needed to be removed and placed in order on the work bench, one behind the other, as installed.

Next was a stock bolt screw in the front of the magazine floor plate assembly set in the stock at an angle. Ruger contends this angled arrangement makes for added tension and aids in providing a solid base for the stock lug. It seems to work as designed. This bolt is usually very tight in the original stock and requires considerable effort to break loose. The trigger guard is lifted out of the stock. Next, the magazine base plate assembly is lifted out. The barreled action is removed by tugging from the stock.

The magazine body itself rides freely on the bottom of the action. Be certain you understand how it fits to the bottom of the action as it usually falls off the action. It is straightforward the way it slips on. When the barreled action is returned to the stock be certain the magazine sleeve rides properly on the bottom of the receiver. The action should be snug and tight in the Hogue stock. Tighten the trigger guard.

I usually tighten one screw almost to full tightness, then snug the other up, and alternate until both are at full tightness. The magazine floor plate is placed into the stock. Remember the stock screw is inverted under the muzzle end wedge of the magazine floor plate. This screw is tightened last. The final step is to snap the magazine floor plate shut. Then grasp the barrel and wiggle the action. There should be no play.

As for accuracy improvement, this rifle had been fired extensively before adding the Hogue Over Molded stock. The accuracy load had been the Black Hills Ammunition 154 grain Hornady SST load. Average accuracy for three round 100-yard groups was 1.6 inches. After fitting the Hogue Over Molded stock the fit and handling was deemed superior. Firing off of the bench rest for