Ruger African new in 375 ruger a good first Dangerous Game rifle

[Viral_SIGness]

@Viral_SIGness so you love the Hogue stock and hate the LC-6 trigger. Different strokes for different folks. Even though I have laminated stocks on my Rugers, I also like the Hogue stock. However, a lot of people think they are butt ugly (only surpassed by the Ruger boat paddle stocks) and have to much flex in them.

As far as recoil pads are concern, yes the big spongy recoil pad on the Hogue is nice for extended range sessions. A recoil pad designed by the "My Pillow" guy would be even better. However, most hunters will tell you there is a down side to a thick, grippy recoil pad and that comes in when mounting the gun in a DG situation. A minimalist type recoil pad is actually a better choice for most hunting situation.

My experience with the LC-6 trigger has been good in my 338 and 375. It is consistent at 100F and also -10F. Just looking at the trigger, the simplicity of the build is remarkable. I've had trigger jobs done on other rifles and replaced some with Timney's. Not familiar Rifle Basix, but a $6 trigger spring change out that anyone can do themselves has given me a very nice, crisp trigger with just under 3 lbs pull.

I actually think the triggers on my two Hawkeyes are worse than what came on my M77 MkII's. Ive been working with my African as is so far, I'll do some spring swapping on it.

The recoil pad, my PH has told me about that several times. When I go to Africa, I'm taking it in the wood stock with that tiny pad.

Consider me an oddball because the Paddle stocks are my favorites lol

 

[Viral_SIGness]

@Viral_SIGness so you love the Hogue stock and hate the LC-6 trigger. Different strokes for different folks. Even though I have laminated stocks on my Rugers, I also like the Hogue stock. However, a lot of people think they are butt ugly (only surpassed by the Ruger boat paddle stocks) and have to much flex in them.

As far as recoil pads are concern, yes the big spongy recoil pad on the Hogue is nice for extended range sessions. A recoil pad designed by the "My Pillow" guy would be even better. However, most hunters will tell you there is a down side to a thick, grippy recoil pad and that comes in when mounting the gun in a DG situation. A minimalist type recoil pad is actually a better choice for most hunting situation.

My experience with the LC-6 trigger has been good in my 338 and 375. It is consistent at 100F and also -10F. Just looking at the trigger, the simplicity of the build is remarkable. I've had trigger jobs done on other rifles and replaced some with Timney's. Not familiar Rifle Basix, but a $6 trigger spring change out that anyone can do themselves has given me a very nice, crisp trigger with just under 3 lbs pull.

As far as flex, only when using a bi-pod, or you can get the full bedded version. I bought the stock for a varmint contour. No worries about touching, but the wood African stock uses a pressure point.

 

[tedthorn]

Imo it is fine but the ruger wing style safety can bit a tad tricky if you are trying to instinctuallly disengage it. Just practice flipping it a lot

The Ruger he is describing is a tang saftey

 

[tedthorn]

The Ruger he is describing is a tang saftey

Nope....It's not

 

[AWLee]

I have the 23" stainless laminate the same as johnnyblues. I've taken it to Alaska a few times and love the indestructible nature of it. Plus I don't cry over the bumps and bruises it gets in the plane, boat and bush.
I strongly recommend replacing the hockey puck Ruger calls a recoil pad with something better. I put a limbsaver on mine and that made it fairly pleasant to shoot.
Put the factory muzzle brake in your tackle box where it belongs.
If you don't hand load, look at DoubleTap ammo 270 grain Barnes TSX. Pretty much the most versatile load you can get for a 375. This ammo shoots 5 shot groups under 1" in my Ruger.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

I have the 23" stainless laminate the same as johnnyblues. I've taken it to Alaska a few times and love the indestructible nature of it. Plus I don't cry over the bumps and bruises it gets in the plane, boat and bush.
I strongly recommend replacing the hockey puck Ruger calls a recoil pad with something better. I put a limbsaver on mine and that made it fairly pleasant to shoot.
Put the factory muzzle brake in your tackle box where it belongs.
If you don't hand load, look at DoubleTap ammo 270 grain Barnes TSX. Pretty much the most versatile load you can get for a 375. This ammo shoots 5 shot groups under 1" in my Ruger.View attachment 389062

I shot Rhett Mcnett a text and a screenshot and let him know you like their products.

 

[Jonny]

I have this exact rifle, and have shot plenty of game with it. I do recommend a lower power scope for dangerous game, such as the 1x6 Leupold. I have had quick kills on many species, but did have a bit of trouble with a buffalo in 2019. Kudu, sable, wildebeest: easy. Miss the vitals of a cape buffalo by 3 inches: kind of a long day, with some exciting but unnecessary mischief thrown in.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

I have this exact rifle, and have shot plenty of game with it. I do recommend a lower power scope for dangerous game, such as the 1x6 Leupold. I have had quick kills on many species, but did have a bit of trouble with a buffalo in 2019. Kudu, sable, wildebeest: easy. Miss the vitals of a cape buffalo by 3 inches: kind of a long day, with some exciting but unnecessary mischief thrown in.

Geezus do any of you people know how to reduce a photo? 8.3 mb, holy chit.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

Geezus do any of you people know how to reduce a photo? 8.3 mb, holy chit.

For the record, I wasn't being offensive. Some folks are away from prime internet signal, where I am, cell phones are it. So pictures like that make this site a beast to load at times.

 

[Viral_SIGness]

I have the 23" stainless laminate the same as johnnyblues. I've taken it to Alaska a few times and love the indestructible nature of it.

PS: That's how I feel about the Hogue stocks. The Laminate does look better, but still vulnerable to water.

 

[1dirthawker]

Even though I have laminated stocks on my Rugers, I also like the Hogue stock. However, a lot of people think they are butt ugly (only surpassed by the Ruger boat paddle stocks) and have to much flex in them.

the hogue over molded stocks are awesome. i had a "boat paddle" stock on a 338 win, hogue stocks are WAAAY better!

 

[Viral_SIGness]

the hogue over molded stocks are awesome. i had a "boat paddle" stock on a 338 win, hogue stocks are WAAAY better!

I love the boat paddles, the look, the feel, everything. But my .338 WM got a Hogue too lol

 

[USMA84DAB]

For my moderate amount of dangerous game rifle experience, (.375 Ruger, .416 Ruger, .495 A-Square) I must add my $.02 worth that the Hogue overmolded on the .375 Ruger is great to help control the rifle and it absorbs some of the recoil impulse. It approaches the A-Square Coil-Check pattern which was very effective in dissipating the recoil impulse. The pistol grip helps one pull the rifle in tight to the shoulder, and the forend shape facilitates holding the rifle down during recoil.