Author Topic: why not a Ruger Model 77 Mark II ??? (Read 2301 times)

2eagles · « **on:** May 30, 2003, 12:08:37 PM »

I've been looking a rifles at our local sport shop. I am left handed and they have four left handed bolt guns, three Rugers and a Savage 111 (I think). Seems like many folks on this board are down on the Rugers. What gives? They seem like very nice rifles. Is there something I'm missing? The Savage comes with a scope that I think is a piece of junk that I would probably throw away. It's a Simmons 3x9, but without a model name on it. I do have a Simmons on my Encore and am happy with it. Thanks for any input. Jim

DennisB · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2003, 12:40:59 PM »

You're gonna hear a lot from both sides on this one! (Get the Ruger anyway). The Savages are OK, from what I've heard, but I own or have owned enough M77s to favor the MKIIs and earlier models over almost anything else except maybe a few 700 BDLs and pre-64 Win's.

A major part of your decision will be simple personal preferences. Does the weapon "feel" right when you heft it? Lots of guys go for stainless steel barrels, synthetic stocks, and nylon slings these days. I'm kinda old fashioned, much preferring wood, blue steel and leather.

If at all possible, try one before you buy it.

Lotsaluck,

Paul H · « **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2003, 12:46:26 PM »

I only have one M77 mkII, actually make that had, as my wife claimed it.

My personal thought is for a factory hunting rifle, the mk II is one of the best on the market, and considering the inegral scope base and rings included, alot of gun for the $. Ruger has had some problems with mediocre accuracy in the past, but I haven't heard of any complaints in the last 5-10 years. The one we have, a .308 ultralight shoots everything including milsurp ammo into at most 1 1/2" 100 yd 3 shot groups, and has grouped 5/8" with Rem 180 gr rn factory fodder.

It is a solid well designed rifle, and the only thing you might need to have done is a trigger job by a competent gunsmith, but Winchester and Remington have the same problems with their triggers.

I'd venture to say the M77 allweather is one of the most popular hunting rifles in Alaska.

theoldman · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2003, 01:17:45 PM »

I have 2 Rugers as well as 2 Remingtons. There is also a Savage in the safe as well. The Remingtons have the best triggers by far, the Savage trigger is not as good as my Rugers, but it shoots very tight groups. The Rem's shoot tight groups as well. I like the looks and feel of the Ruger 77 best of the three, but when I shoot the 77 I have found it best to get REALLY close to what ever I'm shooting at.

Good luck with which ever one you choose.

chk · « **Reply #4 on:** May 30, 2003, 02:25:23 PM »

I have a MKII stainless and a Win M70 stainless classic. I like them both but for the money the Ruger is the best buy IMHO. I know I'll catch it for this but I'd buy a Savage before a Remington. My only complaint of the stainless Ruger is how rough the bolt works on them. Dave

jhm · « **Reply #5 on:** May 30, 2003, 02:29:39 PM »

Zeagles : If the rugers that you have found are in the caliber you are needing GET IT at present I own 6 ruger bolt guns and all will do better that I can, BTW we have a ruger forum and thats whewre you will find most of the ruger fans hanging out.

JIM

swecology · « **Reply #6 on:** May 30, 2003, 02:33:50 PM »

Your'e right- why not? The Ruger is a good deal and has good quality.

I have had three Win Mod 70's and one Ruger Mk II. The Ruger is comparable to all of them, and the scope system can't be beat. I do prefer the balance on the latest Mod 70, though - a Classic LT in .30-06.
The Ruger is a .25-06 Rem. and a little front heavy.

Best investment I did for the Ruger is a $50.00 trigger job by our incredibly competent gunsmith at our local range. If you get the Ruger, you may consider shipping the weapon to him for the work. Website is www.accuracyspeaks.com It really cleaned up the trigger and took care of whatever slack was in the quality of the firearm when it left the factory.

Speaking of factory, I have found Ruger's overall out of the box quality better than Win or Rem. Haven't explored Savage really, they aren't carried a whole lot out here in Arizona it seems.

One thought - you may want to consider the current synthetic stock in the Ruger, depending on your climate. It seems to have improved over past models, also.

Matt

HogFan · « **Reply #7 on:** May 30, 2003, 06:55:58 PM »

I have a Savage, Ruger, and Remington, and I think the best deal out there is the Ruger. Where I live, you can get Rugers cheaper that Savages 50% of the time. Also, the Ruger comes with rings, and Savage and Remington's don't. I've had good accuracy from mine, as well as two of my firends that own them. We are all happy with them, and I will probably buy a Ruger again soon. Like i said to me, they are the best buy on the market.

Hudge

2eagles · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2003, 11:12:09 AM »

Thanks for the input! Since all comments were mostly positive and I pretty much had my mind made up anyhow, I bought the Ruger. No time to get to the range today though, so I'm hoping for tomorrow. Jim

chk · « **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2003, 03:40:47 PM »

2eagles, is the rifle you bought a blued or stainless model and what is it chambered for? Dave

2eagles · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2003, 02:35:41 AM »

I got a blued .270. Being a lefty, my choices are very limited. But believe me, I didn't just settle for just any gun off the rack. Even though my Encore muzzleloader is stainless/walnut and I like it very much, I am old fashioned enough to see the beauty in a blued barrel and and a real wood stock. No plastic for this old man! Jim

Lawdog · « **Reply #11 on:** June 01, 2003, 10:28:15 AM »

2eagles,

My son is a lefty and he just got a Ruger M77MKII in .25-06. Ruger finely brought it out with a 24" barrel and that's what he was wanting. His shoots quite well, grouping 115 gr. Partitions just under an inch. I believe you made a great buy. ENJOY. Lawdog

Gregory · « **Reply #12 on:** June 01, 2003, 11:58:16 AM »

2eagles
I bought a LH Ruger in 300 WM back in the early 90's when they first came out in LH. Best investment I made for the gun was having a Timney trigger installed. I'm happy with the gun.

2eagles · « **Reply #13 on:** June 01, 2003, 02:24:51 PM »

My new Ruger is one nice shooting rifle. I had a chance to shoot it this afternoon. The only road to the county range I like to use was closed, so I had to go to plan "B". I went to another county area, but all they have is an earthen birm for a safe backstop. Only 80 yardsand no shooting tables, so I shot off the tailgate of my truck. And the mosquitoes were swarming and HUNGRY! Enough whining.... The rifle was shooting 1'' groups with cheap factory ammo. I was pleased. I'm sure I will get something done with the trigger though. Compared to my Encore 209x50, the pull is very heavy. I'm not sure what gunsmith around here I trust to work. I'll have to check it out. Jim

Lawdog · « **Reply #14 on:** June 02, 2003, 07:43:22 AM »

2eagles,

For what a good gunsmith is going to charge you to do the work on your trigger you can get a Timney Adjustable trigger and install it yourself. It's not that hard and when your done you will be able to adjust the trigger pull down to 1.75 lbs.(+/-) if you so wish. Cost around $75.00 depending on wher you buy the trigger. Lawdog

2eagles · « **Reply #15 on:** June 02, 2003, 02:16:45 PM »

Thanks for the tip, Lawdog. Jim

Cabin4 · « **Reply #16 on:** June 03, 2003, 03:39:24 PM »

I have a Ruger M77 MK2 in SS with the synthetic stock. These Ruger M77 are one of the best overall buys on the market. The intergral scope mount set-up can't be beat in this price range. My only complaint was the trigger. A good gun smith and a $50 trigger job later I have a great shooter. Its in 30-06 and loves just about anything I feed it even the real cheap stuff. It has a preferance for the remingtom cor-lok 150's.

I kid U not, 1 inch groups with a 3-9x40 at 100 yards and I'm not that good of a shooter with factory ammo.

Cabin4

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #17 on:** June 04, 2003, 06:32:18 AM »

Why not a Ruger??

Because the triggers are horrible---and after spending the $80 bucks or so for a Timney trigger----the Ruger is no longer a good deal.

EVERY 77 MKII I've ever handled with a laminated stock had a loose sloppy fit---grab the barrel and move it around and you'll see what I mean. The synthethic and regular walnut stocked ones seem to be OK in this reguard.

Best buys currently out there?? The new Tikka T3 is excellent---I bought one on the spot as soon as I first saw it----Savages are good--if you can get it at a low enough price to justify the new trigger you'll need to put in it. Brownings are good--but a bit pricey.

Remington and Winchester flat out suck. Weatherby's are good--just not worth all the money they want for them---you can do better.

I've owned several examples of each of these---so I speak from experience.

With all the rifles I've been through---you don't need to spend big bucks to get a good shooter.

ReedG · « **Reply #18 on:** June 28, 2003, 09:55:20 AM »

Looks like this thread has been around for awhile, but gotta get in my licks.

I have and have had several different different models of Ruger rifles. The 77 Mk II is one of the finest bolt-action rifles ever made. Some of them have heavy triggers, but there are lots of ways to fix or replace them and still not sink the budget. The laminated stock stainless steel version of the 77 Mk II is a most-handsome thing. With the stock screws properly tightened, one cannot possibly move the action around because of the sloppy fit. That's ludicrous. With a free-floated barrel, it is possible to put enough pressure on the foreend to spring it, but this has nothing to do with sloppy fit.

The much-ballyhooed Tikka T3 is a butt-ugly rifle. Maybe it's the "Euro" styling, not sure, but it doesn't hold a candle to a Ruger. In one of the gun mags last month, they showed a Tikka bolt disassembled and I couldn't believe how the bolt handle fits into a dovetail-type slot in the bolt body. You must be kidding me!

Lawdog · « **Reply #19 on:** June 28, 2003, 10:16:36 AM »

ReedG,

Get your fireproof pants on son as the Tikka owners will get out their torches. Personally I don't care for the new Sako's so why should I get a Sako "second". :lol: I agree with you that Ruger is one of the best buys out there if you want a good solid accurate rifle that the factory will back without question(most of the time). My only "bitch" with the newer Ruger M77 MKII's is that darn lawyer trigger they put on them. But, as stated, that's an easy fix. I don't care for stainless barrels(shine) and synthetic stocks give me "hives" while the laminated stocks just make me itch. Give me deep blue and solid, fancy wood. Lawdog

45LC-Man · « **Reply #20 on:** July 16, 2003, 10:05:16 AM »

If you like 'em ugly then buy a Savage but if you enjoy a beautiful rifle as well as an accurate one then buy the Ruger. If someones Remington shoots a half inch better than their Ruger it is imperceptible in the field. I've owned each and have three Rugers and a Browning Micro Medallion right now and I prefer the Rugers. Buy what feels best to you.

Dana3of5 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 16, 2003, 07:32:14 PM »

I have "twins". Ruger MarkIIVT in .308 and .243. Both shoot more accurate than my ability. .75 groups. My gunsmith has one in .223 and an older Ruger Mark II in 22-250. He shoots both of these well. The rugers are good bang for the buck. There are other nicer rifles out there though. Too bad money is short for us all, WE COULD HAVE ONE OF EACH!!!

"Does the rifle feel good in your hands when you heft it?" great advice. Then shoot one like. All Rifle makers have some lemons it is the bane of mass production. Get one that you like and shoot lots.

Dana

vmaxx · « **Reply #22 on:** July 31, 2003, 01:47:14 PM »

I have a 77 mkII in .243 accuacy is great 1/2 inch moa most of the time. if there is a down side it is that some of the metal is poured and in some areas no machining is done. Action doesn't glide smooth like a Rem 700 or a Winchester model 70 but it darn gosh shoots good. I had the barrel and action cry-o treated and I am getting much tighter groups since the treatment.

Skeezix · « **Reply #23 on:** July 31, 2003, 06:55:04 PM »

Hey 2eagles, what part of Iowa are you in? I'm near Macon, Missouri, and just moved up here in October. I had a gunsmithing business in Alabama and have done quite a few Ruger trigger jobs. I haven't started up my business up here, but I have most of my tools here already, and am just planning on doing stuff for myself, friends and acquaintences for now. I'll be glad to tune your trigger for you, no charge, or install a trigger for you, if you pay for the trigger. And you can check out the triggers on some of my Rugers first, to see if you like the feel of them.

Since I own 19 of them, I guess I'm somewhat of a Ruger nut. Most are good shooters, right out of the box. And I haven't seen a Model 77 yet that couldn't be made to shoot quite accurately with some tweaking of the trigger and stock bedding. The worst I've ever seen is a M-77R in .280 Rem that I bought new in the mid-80's. It had a knot in the wood in the receiver area that would cause the zero to drift badly according to the weather. I finally had to ditch that stock and put on a Brown Precision kevlar, graphite and fiberglass stock. Now I can count on 3/8" three-shot groups from that rifle. :grin:

Cabin4 · « **Reply #24 on:** August 02, 2003, 02:03:21 AM »

As most of us, were are probablly always in the "market" looking for a deal that we can't pass on for one gun or another. I just simply have a problem buying a gun or anything for that matter that is not made in the USA. I do own a non-US made gun or 2, but only because thier is no other choice in that particular gun. I'm not saying that everything I own is made in the US, but I try as hard as I can to buy American.

When it comes to guns I struggle with the same issue. Yes, there are certain guns like high end shotguns that would be hard to ignore by Italian mades and others alike. But when it comes to a bolt or a lever gun, the decision becomes even harder because thier are great US made bolt and lever guns out here. I recently could not get myself to buy a CZ 550 American in 243win. The rifle is owned by someone I know and out of the box this gunshoots 1/2 moa. It has less than 300 rounds thru it and I could have gotten it for $350 !

Maybe I am to concerned with this "Buy American" issue but it literally haunts me if I don't make sure that I consider everything else first, so I passed on the deal, did a lot of research and the gun sold prior to me completing the research. I just was not preparred for this deal when it was offered to me.

I guess thats why when I hear Tikka, Sako, CZ and even some of the Weatherby and Browning (made overseas) I get the jitters. When I hear Ruger, TC, Winchester,Savage, Remington, ect I feel that I'm considering something good. Even if I have to do, add or spend a few bucks extra to make them shoot better, I'm OK with that.

Everytime we buy a non-US made gun, we weaken our gun industry and the associated jobs. This industry is under severe attack all over the country by junk law suites from the NAACP, Big City Mayors and Rouge District Attorneys all egged on by the prior Clinton Adminastration.

An American Made Gun purchased is a bullet in this industries gun to fight this junk litigation. A NON-US Gun purchased is a bullet in the gun of the left wing liberals that are trying to kill our great American Gun Industry and our 2nd Amendment.

Just editorializing a bit and something I hope you all would consider.

Omaha-BeenGlockin · « **Reply #25 on:** August 02, 2003, 02:40:56 AM »

Better take Winchester off your list---as they are owned by some French or Belgian outfit.

I view buying a foreign gun as a wake up call to US companies to improve their product and bring it to market at a lower price----competition is a good thing.

Plus another gun in civilian hands is always a good thing----at least when it comes to the Commies that have found their way into our govt.

bchannell · « **Reply #26 on:** September 08, 2003, 10:29:28 AM »

Better take Tikka and Remington off that list also. The other day I was looking at buying a 30 cal deer rifle (like I need another one).
The Remingtons I looked at included Mountain rifles and 700 BDL's, the barreled actions were sitting very crooked in the stock, I'm talking 1/4" off in ever single one and the one gunshop had every caliber of Mountain rifle they make. He then showed me a Winchester stainless M70 in 270 WSM, the bottom metal was brown as if it had rusted horribly. I know it's aluminum, but is looked horrible. Inside the magazine it looked stained with some chemical. I couldn't believe it and the gunshop wouldn't ever knock off anything on it. While browsing, I looked at a Tikka Continental Varmint, and you guessed it, the barreled action was crooked in the stock. I've heard this is a fairly common problem with all Tikkas. At another gunshop I looked at some Brownings, which usually have pretty good fit and finish, they were lousy and yes, sitting crooked in the stock. So help me. All this only proves one thing. I have yet to see a Ruger that is not setting fairly well in the stock, with most being perfect as to fit. I know it's hard to find a factory rifle with good fit and then have it shoot too, but this is rediculous. I then looked at Savages, one fit poorly, the rest were fine. So, for now I'm keeping my eyes on Ruger and Savage rifles. No Rem, Win, Tikka or Brownings for me, unless they are a great buy and look like they are fitted correctly.

High Brass · « **Reply #27 on:** September 09, 2003, 02:50:51 AM »

I bought a M77mkII in .280 Rem. last Dec. and have been very pleased. Fit, finish, balance, and even the trigger(maybe just lucky on that one) are all excellent in my opinion. Oh yes, its plenty accurate too.