Ben,
If you get to handle a 'red pad' Ruger you'll see what people mean about better quality. MUCH smoother dropping the block, adjustable trigger ... wood was still a lottery!

Odd think is, they have a reputation for better accuracy, but are of the era when Ruger outsourced its barrels, so it also should be a lottery depending on whether your rifle was fitted with a WIlson or Douglas barrel.

Then again ... perhaps years of use has simply smoothed them out.
Cheers...
Con