Ruger Rifles

roc1 · 10-05-2009, 05:35 PM

I saw the post on Ruger M77 rifles I was thinking about getting one myself. I have never shot one but like others said in the previous post I have heard a lot of negative about them being very inaccurate.Most people say they are just good for hunting.I am wondering about one in 308 in the MarkII.I was just curious if ther is anything to watch out far or is there a better model. I also considered the #1 rifle but am partial to bolt guns.I love my Ruger revolvers but do not own a Ruger rifle yet.The gun I looked at has a 22inch barrel wood stock for $587.
Thanks for any help
roc1

taipan · 10-06-2009, 01:05 AM

roc1,
I have a 77 Mk11 in .222Rem and it shoots 3/4" groups at 100 yards all day and also shoots 1 3/4" groups at 200 yards just as easily. I wouldn't call this inaccurate and I'm just an average shot. I reload myself, but this rifle is a blast to shoot.

Polishrose · 10-06-2009, 07:30 AM

I have a Model 77 Hawkeye in .308 Win. I was impressed with the fit, finish, feel and accuracy right out of the box. My requirement was for "minute of deer heart" at 100 yards and this rifle does better than that. If you are looking for a bench gun - well then the Mark II or Hawkeye probably wouldn't be where I would look. If you are looking for a good all-around field rifle, your at the right counter.

Retsoff · 10-06-2009, 01:49 PM

I have a Ruger 77 Mk II in 350 Remington Magnum. Due to the lack of abundant and inexpensive factory ammo, I started to reload for it. Thus far, I've only tried 4 powders and 2 bullets and I've not had anything group over 1.5" for a 5-shot group at 100 yards. I have no doubt that I can improve on this with some experimentation but I'm not sure I'm going to, since this kind of accuracy will do quite nicely for what and where I hunt. I haven't even messed with the supposedly "terrible" trigger pull. While I know it can be improved, it has not cost me a game animal yet. So, you could say that I'm a big Ruger fan. Since Ruger started making their own barrels, their rifles accuracy-wise are equal to most other mass produced rfiles. I like the fact that their rifles (and revolvers too) are made to be used and are over-built for several lifetimes of use. I also think the MK II and the Hawkeye are good looking, though I know that's purely a subjective thing. Add to that the integral scope mounts and you have one hell of a big bang for your buck. That's my $.02.

taipan · 10-06-2009, 09:22 PM

Hey, Retsoff, I tried the link on this forum to lighten and smooth up the "terrible" trigger and all I can say is that I didn't believe it would be so easy and now it is a great trigger. Worked a charm.

Retsoff · 10-07-2009, 12:33 AM

Taipan,

Thanks much for the tip. I'll look for this information. I have to admit that I'm not the most mechanically inclined guy but, as long as the directions are good and detailed, I usually don't have a problem.

Thanks again.

rykers · 10-08-2009, 09:19 PM

I have a 22-250 and a .300 win Mag they boath shoot better than I can shoot.
I have other rifles but I use my rugers to hunt with.

AJMD · 11-21-2009, 02:19 PM

1976-vintage M77 in 6mm - 3/8" groups at 100 yds with IMR 4831 & Sierra 85 gr BTHP loaded on Lee 'Target' Loader (the kind you whack with a mallet, only has a micrometer seating die and inside neck reamer).

M77-II in .308 Win - sub-MOA at 100 yds with factory loads.

77/22 - 3/8" at 50 yds

77/22Mag - so far 1/2" at 50 yds

77/44 - 2" to 3" at 100 yards with factory ammo or decent reloads

77/22Hornet - looks like handloads will wind up around 1/2" at 100 yards

AJMD · 11-21-2009, 02:23 PM

[SIZE="3"]I'd heard that Ruger .22 Hornets were not any good (but that was usually from people who shot .223's most of the time anyway), but Ruger is giving away a free Carhart Jacket* if you buy a bolt gun before December 31st this year, and I have sold and traded enough stuff I didn't need to get something else I don't need, so figured since I do like Rugers, I'd give one a try.

* Ruger Carhart offer - http://www.ruger.com/micros/carhartt/index.html ..."Hon, my jacket was getting kind of worn, and I had a chance to pick up a FREE Carhart jacket [SIZE="1"](..."free" with purchase of $600 gun[/SIZE]...), are you OK with that...?" :?

I just wanted sort of a ".22 caliber .32-20" - something center-fire in .22, but not with the blast of a short .223 nor the weight of a 'target' .223. Something else I don't need, but wanted to fiddle with.

Since factory ammo at Gander Mountain was $49.99 for a 50-round box, I decided to just order brass, bullets, and dies, but BudsGunShop.com is so darned fast at delivering that the gun was at my FFL's five days after the on-line order was placed, and MidwayUSA only had a three day head-start on sending me the brass and dies. So today I picked up the gun, and a bag of 50 mixed-brass (some of it pretty old looking) reloads at the local gun shop.

Here's the gun (with my BSA 32x "test-out-all-new-guns-to-see-their-potential" scope on it).

Here's the target - 1 shot (way high), sight adjust , 1 shot (a bit low), sight adjust, then two groups to semi-finalize sighting in. It's only 50 yards, but for my level of 'marksmanship' that's a pretty good start. 8)

Pretty good for mixed-brass gunshop reloads, in a gun everyone seems to say is terrible. I think there's alot of 'Ruger-haters' in the bolt-gun crowd, but so far, I've not been disappointed in any Ruger bolt guns (or lever guns) I've ever shot.[/SIZE]

JAS · 12-26-2009, 12:21 PM

AJMD ...

Maybe you could tell your wife that you bought the coat and they threw-in the rifle?

Might go over better ...

Gregor · 01-07-2010, 06:19 PM

On the subject of hunting accuracy. I picked up a used 7mm Rem Mag barrel for my TC Encore. I didn't plan on hunting with it last season, but a rainy day inspired me to take off my .22-250 fox buster and replace it with the new/used barrel.

The next day I went to Wally World and picked up some Winchester 150 gr Power Point ammo and proceeded to sight her in. My best 3 shot cluster was just under 2 inches at 100 yards. The ammo was $35/box and I didn't want to waste it ALL on paper. Did this stop me from hunting with my new setup? HECK NO!

I took 2 bucks and 2 does with the 7mm Mag. in the month of December with two neck shots (knock downs), one shoulder, and a double lung. Folks, measure a white tails vitals zone the next time you have one down. If you can't hit that zone you seriously can't blame the rifle.

Yes, I think it is important to have the most accurate rifle you can own, but being able to hold steady and deliver at the moment of truth far exceeds (IMHO) those who gloat of sub MOA rifles.

liberalsmakemepuke · 01-07-2010, 06:41 PM

As I have said before, I am a rifle shooter, and for a bolt action hunting rifle, IMHO the MKII is as fine a field rifle anyone could ever need. I have two, my .243 is MOA, and my .280 is 11/2.. They are better rifles than I am a shooter. These are both bone stock factory. The action is as strong as you can buy, and the price is bargain for what you are getting. The bolts may not be "smooth as silk", but they are tough as Hell, and 98 percent of hunters connot look me in the eye and tell me that the rough bolt screwed up their follow up shot. I'm not claiming they are better than any of the other quality brands, but you sure as hell get a lot more for your buck.

Big Mike · 01-19-2010, 06:42 AM

I have an all-weather MK-II in .280 Rem that shoots factory Remington 140gr Ballistic Tips under 1 inch at 100 yards. Out of the box, no modifications, Vari X-III scope. I would recommend it without hesitation.

thomashoward · 02-25-2010, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liberalsmakemepuke

As I have said before, I am a rifle shooter, and for a bolt action hunting rifle, IMHO the MKII is as fine a field rifle anyone could ever need. I have two, my .243 is MOA, and my .280 is 11/2.. They are better rifles than I am a shooter. These are both bone stock factory. The action is as strong as you can buy, and the price is bargain for what you are getting. The bolts may not be "smooth as silk", but they are tough as Hell, and 98 percent of hunters connot look me in the eye and tell me that the rough bolt screwed up their follow up shot. I'm not claiming they are better than any of the other quality brands, but you sure as hell get a lot more for your buck.

You can make the bolt smooth as silk. Put valve grinding compound on the bolt and run it back and forth DO NOT TURN THE BOLT DOWN or you will create head space. Do that a few times and the bolt will slide by itself.
Be sure to thoroughly clean all the grit off and oil when done

taipan · 02-26-2010, 03:42 AM

Yes, I think it is important to have the most accurate rifle you can own, but being able to hold steady and deliver at the moment of truth far exceeds (IMHO) those who gloat of sub MOA rifles.[/QUOTE]

Gregor.................how true.

trdinput · 07-01-2010, 10:23 PM

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totaleclipse02 · 07-14-2010, 04:14 AM

Shot a Ruger rifle the other day (in stainless) and I was extremely impressed. Seems like a very reliable rifle. Trying to decide between a remington right now.

TLJack · 07-15-2010, 07:44 AM

Just bought a used M77 in .22-250. Shot it yesterday with factory ammo and after getting the scope sited in was shooting 1 1/2" groups at 100 yds and a bit over 1 3/4" at 200 yds from a bench rest. This is with factory ammo in a 1977 gun! I am sure it can do better when I get used to it and work up some reloads it really likes.

Another thing to consider whne buying a rifle or anything else is where do the profits end up? ......China, Japan, USA etc. Our economy is a mess and we keeps sending our dollars out of this country. I would guess that whether the rifle is a Ruger or someting else, most modern rifles can shoot better than we can make them shoot!

Terry

funman · 07-20-2010, 03:01 PM

when i started reloading for my Ruger Hawkeye in .308 i started to get groups well under an inch. The gun can shoot way better than i can at times. After handling and shooting different brands of rifles lately , i can say that i am glad i bought a ruger. The components and feel of the gun are better than most.

Scott Spencer · 07-24-2010, 08:44 PM

Another positive vote for the Ruger bolt action! Out of the box accuracy has been good for my .280 Rem. Looking at my reloading notes with the 140 gr Accubond, I've shot a best .35" group and a .45" group so far. Both were 3-shot groups at 100 yds.

I've gotten some 1" groups as well but that is more my fault and the gun just not liking the loads I'm trying.

I'm so pleased that I am buying another Ruger Hawkeye in the next 2 weeks.

11-21-2009, 02:23 PM	#9
AJMD Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14	Ruger 77/22-Hornet - NICE gun...! [SIZE="3"]I'd heard that Ruger .22 Hornets were not any good (but that was usually from people who shot .223's most of the time anyway), but Ruger is giving away a free Carhart Jacket* if you buy a bolt gun before December 31st this year, and I have sold and traded enough stuff I didn't need to get something else I don't need, so figured since I do like Rugers, I'd give one a try. * Ruger Carhart offer - http://www.ruger.com/micros/carhartt/index.html ..."Hon, my jacket was getting kind of worn, and I had a chance to pick up a FREE Carhart jacket [SIZE="1"](..."free" with purchase of $600 gun[/SIZE]...), are you OK with that...?" :? I just wanted sort of a ".22 caliber .32-20" - something center-fire in .22, but not with the blast of a short .223 nor the weight of a 'target' .223. Something else I don't need, but wanted to fiddle with. Since factory ammo at Gander Mountain was $49.99 for a 50-round box, I decided to just order brass, bullets, and dies, but BudsGunShop.com is so darned fast at delivering that the gun was at my FFL's five days after the on-line order was placed, and MidwayUSA only had a three day head-start on sending me the brass and dies. So today I picked up the gun, and a bag of 50 mixed-brass (some of it pretty old looking) reloads at the local gun shop. Here's the gun (with my BSA 32x "test-out-all-new-guns-to-see-their-potential" scope on it). Here's the target - 1 shot (way high), sight adjust , 1 shot (a bit low), sight adjust, then two groups to semi-finalize sighting in. It's only 50 yards, but for my level of 'marksmanship' that's a pretty good start. 8) Pretty good for mixed-brass gunshop reloads, in a gun everyone seems to say is terrible. I think there's alot of 'Ruger-haters' in the bolt-gun crowd, but so far, I've not been disappointed in any Ruger bolt guns (or lever guns) I've ever shot.[/SIZE]

12-26-2009, 12:21 PM	#10
JAS Joined: Dec 2009 From: Minnesota Posts: 246	AJMD ... Maybe you could tell your wife that you bought the coat and they threw-in the rifle? Might go over better ... Last edited by JAS; 12-27-2009 at 07:14 AM.

01-07-2010, 06:19 PM	#11
Gregor Joined: Jan 2010 From: North Carolina Posts: 180	On the subject of hunting accuracy. I picked up a used 7mm Rem Mag barrel for my TC Encore. I didn't plan on hunting with it last season, but a rainy day inspired me to take off my .22-250 fox buster and replace it with the new/used barrel. The next day I went to Wally World and picked up some Winchester 150 gr Power Point ammo and proceeded to sight her in. My best 3 shot cluster was just under 2 inches at 100 yards. The ammo was $35/box and I didn't want to waste it ALL on paper. Did this stop me from hunting with my new setup? HECK NO! I took 2 bucks and 2 does with the 7mm Mag. in the month of December with two neck shots (knock downs), one shoulder, and a double lung. Folks, measure a white tails vitals zone the next time you have one down. If you can't hit that zone you seriously can't blame the rifle. Yes, I think it is important to have the most accurate rifle you can own, but being able to hold steady and deliver at the moment of truth far exceeds (IMHO) those who gloat of sub MOA rifles. Last edited by Gregor; 01-07-2010 at 06:43 PM.

07-01-2010, 10:23 PM	#16
trdinput Joined: Jul 2010 From: Covina, CA Posts: 4	iowegan books where to find iowegan books

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10-05-2009, 05:35 PM	#1
roc1 Joined: Sep 2009 From: Lubbock Texas Posts: 56	Ruger Rifles I saw the post on Ruger M77 rifles I was thinking about getting one myself. I have never shot one but like others said in the previous post I have heard a lot of negative about them being very inaccurate.Most people say they are just good for hunting.I am wondering about one in 308 in the MarkII.I was just curious if ther is anything to watch out far or is there a better model. I also considered the #1 rifle but am partial to bolt guns.I love my Ruger revolvers but do not own a Ruger rifle yet.The gun I looked at has a 22inch barrel wood stock for $587. Thanks for any help roc1

10-06-2009, 01:05 AM	#2
taipan Joined: Feb 2009 From: Australia Posts: 7	roc1, I have a 77 Mk11 in .222Rem and it shoots 3/4" groups at 100 yards all day and also shoots 1 3/4" groups at 200 yards just as easily. I wouldn't call this inaccurate and I'm just an average shot. I reload myself, but this rifle is a blast to shoot.

10-06-2009, 07:30 AM	#3
Polishrose Joined: Oct 2007 From: Minnesota, USA. Posts: 256	I have a Model 77 Hawkeye in .308 Win. I was impressed with the fit, finish, feel and accuracy right out of the box. My requirement was for "minute of deer heart" at 100 yards and this rifle does better than that. If you are looking for a bench gun - well then the Mark II or Hawkeye probably wouldn't be where I would look. If you are looking for a good all-around field rifle, your at the right counter.

10-06-2009, 01:49 PM	#4
Retsoff Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 25	I have a Ruger 77 Mk II in 350 Remington Magnum. Due to the lack of abundant and inexpensive factory ammo, I started to reload for it. Thus far, I've only tried 4 powders and 2 bullets and I've not had anything group over 1.5" for a 5-shot group at 100 yards. I have no doubt that I can improve on this with some experimentation but I'm not sure I'm going to, since this kind of accuracy will do quite nicely for what and where I hunt. I haven't even messed with the supposedly "terrible" trigger pull. While I know it can be improved, it has not cost me a game animal yet. So, you could say that I'm a big Ruger fan. Since Ruger started making their own barrels, their rifles accuracy-wise are equal to most other mass produced rfiles. I like the fact that their rifles (and revolvers too) are made to be used and are over-built for several lifetimes of use. I also think the MK II and the Hawkeye are good looking, though I know that's purely a subjective thing. Add to that the integral scope mounts and you have one hell of a big bang for your buck. That's my $.02.

10-06-2009, 09:22 PM	#5
taipan Joined: Feb 2009 From: Australia Posts: 7	Hey, Retsoff, I tried the link on this forum to lighten and smooth up the "terrible" trigger and all I can say is that I didn't believe it would be so easy and now it is a great trigger. Worked a charm.

10-07-2009, 12:33 AM	#6
Retsoff Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 25	Taipan, Thanks much for the tip. I'll look for this information. I have to admit that I'm not the most mechanically inclined guy but, as long as the directions are good and detailed, I usually don't have a problem. Thanks again.

10-08-2009, 09:19 PM	#7
rykers Joined: Sep 2009 From: Lorane, Oregon Posts: 11	I have a 22-250 and a .300 win Mag they boath shoot better than I can shoot. I have other rifles but I use my rugers to hunt with.

11-21-2009, 02:19 PM	#8
AJMD Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14	1976-vintage M77 in 6mm - 3/8" groups at 100 yds with IMR 4831 & Sierra 85 gr BTHP loaded on Lee 'Target' Loader (the kind you whack with a mallet, only has a micrometer seating die and inside neck reamer). M77-II in .308 Win - sub-MOA at 100 yds with factory loads. 77/22 - 3/8" at 50 yds 77/22Mag - so far 1/2" at 50 yds 77/44 - 2" to 3" at 100 yards with factory ammo or decent reloads 77/22Hornet - looks like handloads will wind up around 1/2" at 100 yards

01-07-2010, 06:41 PM	#12
liberalsmakemepuke Joined: Dec 2009 From: Minnesota Posts: 895	As I have said before, I am a rifle shooter, and for a bolt action hunting rifle, IMHO the MKII is as fine a field rifle anyone could ever need. I have two, my .243 is MOA, and my .280 is 11/2.. They are better rifles than I am a shooter. These are both bone stock factory. The action is as strong as you can buy, and the price is bargain for what you are getting. The bolts may not be "smooth as silk", but they are tough as Hell, and 98 percent of hunters connot look me in the eye and tell me that the rough bolt screwed up their follow up shot. I'm not claiming they are better than any of the other quality brands, but you sure as hell get a lot more for your buck.

01-19-2010, 06:42 AM	#13
Big Mike Joined: Nov 2009 From: Central Florida Posts: 13	I have an all-weather MK-II in .280 Rem that shoots factory Remington 140gr Ballistic Tips under 1 inch at 100 yards. Out of the box, no modifications, Vari X-III scope. I would recommend it without hesitation.

02-26-2010, 03:42 AM	#15
taipan Joined: Feb 2009 From: Australia Posts: 7	Yes, I think it is important to have the most accurate rifle you can own, but being able to hold steady and deliver at the moment of truth far exceeds (IMHO) those who gloat of sub MOA rifles.[/QUOTE] Gregor.................how true.

07-14-2010, 04:14 AM	#17
totaleclipse02 Joined: Jul 2010 From: USA Posts: 13	Shot a Ruger rifle the other day (in stainless) and I was extremely impressed. Seems like a very reliable rifle. Trying to decide between a remington right now.

07-15-2010, 07:44 AM	#18
TLJack Joined: Dec 2009 From: Springfield, Oregon Posts: 63	Just bought a used M77 in .22-250. Shot it yesterday with factory ammo and after getting the scope sited in was shooting 1 1/2" groups at 100 yds and a bit over 1 3/4" at 200 yds from a bench rest. This is with factory ammo in a 1977 gun! I am sure it can do better when I get used to it and work up some reloads it really likes. Another thing to consider whne buying a rifle or anything else is where do the profits end up? ......China, Japan, USA etc. Our economy is a mess and we keeps sending our dollars out of this country. I would guess that whether the rifle is a Ruger or someting else, most modern rifles can shoot better than we can make them shoot! Terry

07-20-2010, 03:01 PM	#19
funman Joined: May 2009 From: flordia Posts: 60	when i started reloading for my Ruger Hawkeye in .308 i started to get groups well under an inch. The gun can shoot way better than i can at times. After handling and shooting different brands of rifles lately , i can say that i am glad i bought a ruger. The components and feel of the gun are better than most.

07-24-2010, 08:44 PM	#20
Scott Spencer Joined: Jul 2010 From: Pelham, AL Posts: 7	Another positive vote for the Ruger bolt action! Out of the box accuracy has been good for my .280 Rem. Looking at my reloading notes with the 140 gr Accubond, I've shot a best .35" group and a .45" group so far. Both were 3-shot groups at 100 yds. I've gotten some 1" groups as well but that is more my fault and the gun just not liking the loads I'm trying. I'm so pleased that I am buying another Ruger Hawkeye in the next 2 weeks.