PRODUCT
ENGINEERING
Our lead designer has a Masters degree in Engineering, looks like he paid attention.
Bolt Buffer
-- It's all about how fast the energy is dissipated --
On a semi automatic action, the bolt moves rearward as the bullet is propelled through and out of the barrel. An equal force is applied to each (equal in magnitude, but opposite in direction). The bullet has to overcome the barrel friction and air friction. The bolt movement is resisted by its larger mass and the compressive capacity of the springs associated with the action. The factory bolt stop limits the rearward movement of the bolt to keep it from damaging the action.
Immediately before the bolt impacts the bolt stop (or the replacement bolt buffer), there is an associated inertia (momentum). The factory steel bolt stop is essentially incompressible, so this inertia is applied over a very short time. Power is computed as the change in inertia divided by the time used to stop it. Dividing a number by a very small number less than zero yields very high results. Therefore, the associated power of this impact is very high. Think of hitting a hammer directly on concrete. It hurts your hand. A similar force is transferred throughout the rifle, scope, and on to the shooter.
The bolt buffer forces this inertia to be applied over a longer time. Although the inertia input into the system is identical, the time to stop is significantly longer (however this is still really fast). This reduces the magnitude of the shock that gets transferred to the scope, and shooter. Think of the same hammer, but instead it hits a thick rubber mat. The energy before the impact is identical, what changes is how the energy is dissipated.
Bolt action rifles do not experience this problem, since the bolt locks in place, and the entire weight of the rifle counters the force of the bullet, where in a bolt action only the sliding bolt and springs counter the inertia.
Why didn't Ruger include these on their factory rifles?
The factory bolt stop is made of steel. It is not a buffer, it is indeed a stop, intended to end the travel of the bolt after the semi- automatic action has been reset. The system operates reliably with a bolt stop instead of a bolt buffer, so they have no need to replace it.
Just because it works doesn't mean it is the best design!
Bedding Pillars
-- Eliminating variable compression equals repeatable accuracy --
As the stock, or takedown screw, is tightened in a rifle, the torque in the screw is transferred into compression in the stock. Wood and most synthetics are compressible, so the force increases as the screw is tightened. As long as the connection remains intact, the compression will be essentially the same. But once the screw is loosened or the stock removed, then a new compression, and stress distribution will occur when it has been replaced. A different amount of compression results in minute, but significant differences in which the action is supported within the stock. These can cause the point of impact to shift very slightly each time the rifle is cleaned, stock removed, or almost any action that involves moving either the action or the stock independently.
Our bedding pillars are made of aluminum, and are essentially incompressible, meaning the compression and stress distribution through the rifle will remain the same. When the screw is tightened against a pillar, you are unable to tighten it further (without twisting the head off the screw).
Why aren't these included on all factory rifles?
Lets be honest- most modern manufacturers create rifles that can shoot straighter than their owners can. There are a few exceptions, both in the rifles category and in the owner category. If are skilled enough to match your rifle's accuracy, then you will benefit from pillar bedding. For the rest, manufacturers don't want to incur the extra expense.
Oversized trigger group pins
-- A perfect shot is made in the last fraction of the trigger pull --
Most people believe the main reason to replace these pins is to keep them from falling out every time the stock is removed. Our pins do stay put better, but there is a more significant reason to replace them.
During the last micro increment of the trigger pull, the difference between a perfect shot and one "almost there" is determined. The factory pins have enough play in them to allow the entire trigger group (not just the trigger) to rotate by a minute fraction of a degree. Replacing the pins with ones that fit tightly eliminates this. Being honest again, most casual shooters will not notice this; but almost without exception benchrest shooters will.
Why didn't Ruger include these on their factory rifles?
The bottom line is that plain steel is less expensive than stainless steel. Also, the factory screws utilize a more common pin size, which reduces their cost.
Takedown Screw
-- Repeatable torque equals accuracy --
The factory screw is made of steel, with a blued finish, and a slotted screwdriver head. It is meant to be tightened or loosened, and just make sure your screwdriver doesn't slip and scratch your stock. Newer models use a hex socket, but it is sized to impart too much torque to the screw. Good luck trying to gauge how tightly it has been screwed in.
Our screws utilize a hex wrench, which won't slip as you tighten it. Also, we chose a hex size that best matches the ideal range of torque. Just tighten it until the wrench flexes a bit, then you know the torque has been met. This assures you that your torque will be consistent. Why is torque consistency significant? Because it relates to stock compression, which we discussed previously under the bedding pillars.
Why all the choices- stainless steel, alloy steel or titanium?
Simple answer, to provide you with the ability to customize your stock. All three are strong enough to outlast you. Stainless steel looks great on aftermarket stocks, blued looks great on pretty much everything. Titanium is for those that like to show off a bit.
Why didn't Ruger include these on their factory rifles?
The design dating back to 1964 has a slotted head. Most people have better access to a screwdriver than to a hex wrench, so they have no reason to change. As a side note, most modern rifles have changed to a hex head.
Concerning why Ruger didn't include a titanium screw- do I really need to explain?