Smee78

What is the going rate for one of these used? I found one at a local shop yesterday and they wanted $499 for it with a scope on it. I did not get the scope make but it was a 6-24x40 and had stoney point target turrets on it. The rifle was made in 1994 and was the brown laminate with target gray finish. Anyone have any opinions or experience with one of these?

Thanks,

Hairtrigger

Buy it!
I have long said these rifles are the best value for the dollar on the market.
At one time I had one M77VT in every caliber but sold off until all I have is the 2 PPC calibers and a 22-250

MZ5

I would expect the scope to be a cheapie, whatever it is. Not necessarily bad or non-functional, but you just don't see high-$ scopes on these guns very often; especially not on the used racks.

For that money, if I wanted the gun & chambering combo, I'd jump on it. I don't think that's a bad deal at all, so long as it's in very good shape. I loved my Target Model; I'd like another.

heymatthew

That's a pretty awesome deal on that gun. Especially considering you can pick up the steel-case Russian ammo for $5 a box at Walmart and shoot all day long for less than dinner and a movie. I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Use the scope until you can get something better.

Smee78

Thanks guys for the info, If the scope does not perform like I want it to it wont be a problem. I already have a extra Springifeld Armory 5.56 4-14x40 that would be perfect on it. Looks like I'm going back tomorrow to take a "second look" Also What bullet would be good for this gun, I've never reloaded 223 before (alot of pistol rounds) and have read that the guns came with both a 1&12 and a 1&9 twist. Does anyone know when they switched? This gun dates to 1994. What accuracy are you guys getting with this gun? Thanks,

Bigman

I have 2 of these rifles and I wouldn't sale either one of them for $499. I have always liked the target grey finish and the trigger these guns came with..

TMan51

I don't believe it. Uh, where exactly is this shop?

Smee78

Went back today to look it over again and it is a Tasco scope, I looked it over and it really needs a good cleaning and a little tlc but I am waiting for some cash to arrive from a sale so I can put my new toy on lay-a-way. I think I would take the gun to the range first before I swapped out the scope. For my purposes I think it would be a fun bench gun for busting clays around 100-200yrds.

MZ5

It'll be great for that! Oddly enough, I have a Tasco Varmint scope which couldn't possibly have cost me more than ~$80 (maybe even more like $60?), and it's a very useful scope for exactly that kind of work!

Smee78

MZ5 thanks for the info about the scope, I just hope its there when I get back with some money

Smee78

Anyone else have anything else to say or a pic to post? If not I think I'm going to give it a try, worst case it would make a great bed for a 300BLK custom project or a custom 223 barreled gun.

Smee78

Well I went back to the pawn shop that had the Ruger and was able to put it on lay-a-way for $460. I am happy with the transaction and now that my reloading dies arrived yesterday looks like I will neet to spend some time in the garage at the bench. Thanks everyone for the help along the way and I will post some pics when I get it next month.

p.s...if any one has any favorite 223 loads I would love to hear about it.

Bigman

Smee78, congrats on the New to you rifle! I know you will enjoy it. When you do find the right laod the gun likes, these rifles are some kind of accurate. Ray

218bee

Smee78..................I have just joined the forum and I hope that by now you have picked-up the MK II target rifle. Mine is of an older vintage also. It was not real picky about hand-loads, but most factory ammo did not shoot that well....10 shots were well over an inch @ 100 yds. Handloads, on the other hand, were a different story. 10 shots into a 1/2 " ragged hole is not uncommon at all. Unless the wind is really blowing, always under an inch @ 100 yards. The load I finally settled on, is a 52 grain flat base hollow point match bullet over 26 grains of W748. (any 50-53 grain bullet seems to shoot very well) Mine seems to shoot a little better once the barrel warms up a little
( 5 rounds will do it ) I have shot a few groups that were in the .2's and .3's.
The 2-stage trigger is great off the benches or in the field.
>> // As ALWAYS....NEVER just duplicate someone else's load....Use a good loading manual (I like Hornady's 8th edition) and work up a little at a time watching for pressure signs along the way. // >>>> I will try to attach pictures when I have more time...........
Dollar for Dollar, I still think the MK II target is one of the best values out there.............Hope this helps..................

I bought this rifle soon after they came out......it still shoots as good as it did when new. I am attaching some targets....the big one on the bottom left was ten shots with Winchester 55 FMJ factory loads. The other smaller targets were shot trying two or three different handloads (including the load I settled on)..............Don in SC

ECVMatt

Congrats on your new rifle!!