Congrats on you 77/44 ! I bought one of the new(er) all weather 77/44's a few years ago. You are right, it is one fun gun to shoot, and a delight to carry, to the point I LOOK for reasons to carry it. it. It has become my favorite rifle, I use it as my main deer rifle, have taken 3 deer with it so far (including my biggest buck ever this year), and have used it on coyotes on occasion.
Mine actually shoots best with 300 grain hardcast bullets, with groups of 2 1/2 -3 1/2 " at 100 yards. Not tack driving accuracy, but definately minute of deer.
I have seen people on various forums complain that these guns serve no purpose than can not be served better by other guns. that may be true, but out of everything I own, this one just does EVERYTHING well enough, that I choose it over others.
Enjoy