M77-II RSI in .308

[clarkfork]

While at the local gun shop the other day, I spied a used M77 Mark II RSI (full stock International version) in .308 on the rack.  The gun looked to be in new condition and probably not fired much, looked sweet with that full stock!

Has anyone had or fired one of these in .308?  I know these little rifles are handy and strictly for hunting use but was wondering about the potential accuracy, muzzle blast, and recoil of the .308 in such a short package (18.5" barrel) with the full length stock.  I might just have to go back and snag this one to find out for myself!

[shooter]

I've owned 2 of these,both in 308 and loved them.With a smallish 3x9 or 2x7 scope these little darlins are pretty good shooters.I love the small size,great for ny woods.The recoil isnt a problem,then again,i shot my last deer with a savage striker pistol in 308.I'd say if you could pick it up for $300 to $350 without a scope and its in good condition,i'd do.I'm looking for another myself.
                                                                                Shooter

[oso45-70]

Clarkfork,
I had one and like a dummy that i am i let it get away, Couldent stand to see a grown man cry. In my opinion its one very neat little rifle. Didn't get to shoot it very much before i let my friend have it, But the little bit that i did shoot it it was very accurate, Good luck,  ........Joe.........

[crazyjjk]

Had one in long action 30-06. In a lapse of intelligent thinking and common sense I let it go. Fit like a glove for woods hunting. Quite accurate and never had a problem with point of impact changing. Sooner or later another one will come along in either 308 or 30-06 and this time I won't get rid of it.

[The Pistoleer]

Shooter, do you happen to remember your load for the RSI?  I have a old model in 308 and haven't been able to get it to shoot.

[marlin shooter]

I have one of these rifles, It's my favorite rifle and I'll never sell it. Mine is the mk 11, and I bought it new. At first it didn't shoot good (stringing, fliers etc) so I took the forend cap off, it was on so tight I had to really work to get it off. I removed some wood so the band fit correctly and no more shooting problems. I now get 1.5 to 2'' groups for 5 shots. My rifle is a .308.

[The Pistoleer]

Marlin Shooter, are those groups with factory loads or handloads?  If handloads, would you share your recipe with me?

What grain bullet are you using?

Thanks.

[marlin shooter]

I shoot handloads which is IMR4064 46 grns with a 150 grn sierra sptz. (pro hunter) Win case, CCI large rifle primer, 2.750 C.O.L. This load is safe in MY rifle but you should probably work up to it in yours. The .308 is not usually a fussy cartridge to find a good load for. I have had good luck with factory loads also. You say yours won't shoot, have you looked at your forend cap? Mine was putting a lot of pressure on the barrel. Good luck.

[shooter]

I'm sorry,i'm strictly a factory load guy-don't reload myself.I was using a norma 150 gr factory load..psp i think.
                                                                         Shooter

[The Pistoleer]

Marlin Shooter, I haven't really shot it but once but it was all over the target.  I will work on some loads.  I was told on another forum that these rifles preferred the 165 grain bullets but from yours and Shooter's replies it seems the 150 are fine.  I might try some of those.

Thanks

[The Pistoleer]

Well I picked up some Winchester and Remington 150 grain loads and I am happy to report that I got about 1.5" groups with both factory loads.  Further more they both shot to the same point of aim :-) .

So I am not under the gun to work up a pet handload

I have a bunch of 165 grain Cor Loks that I want to find a good load for but at least now I know I can use this neat little carbine for the up coming deer season :grin: