Author Topic: Ruger M77 accuracy: Need real advice... (Read 1724 times)

Stoots · « **on:** January 10, 2005, 02:58:42 AM »

Fellas, I have selected the caliber I want. Now, in researching this rifle, I have found a few instances of accuracy problems in the Ruger M77's.

I'm not looking for a sniper rifle, just a good hunting rifle. I'd like the smallest groups possible if I do my part. Are these instances the exceptions rather than the rule?

Anyone own/owned a Ruger M77 standard and care to share their thoughts on this? Thanks in advance for any info!

Jason

DWARREN123 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2005, 03:16:29 AM »

I had a Ruger M77 in 223 caliber with sporter barrel and wood stock, it shot 2 to 3 rounds pretty good but needed at least 5 minutes to cool down.
I like to shoot paper and varmint hunt so it was not really what I wanted or needed.
By the way it needed work on the trigger from out of the box.

High Brass · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2005, 08:23:43 AM »

I have a Ruger M77mkII in 280 that shoots sub MOA. With one particular handload, I shot a three shot group that was .4". Can't do it all the time but it's definately a sub 1 incher when I do my part. Plenty accurate for deer and then some.

Hildy · « **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2005, 08:31:43 AM »

My M77 SS laminate will throw 3 150g Hornady InterLocks into a single ragged hole at 100 yards. Caliber is 270. A handload ofcourse

Stoots · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2005, 08:46:51 AM »

Thanks for the replies fellas!

I don't reload (am considering getting into it though...).

Is it possible to get great accuracy using factory loads (300 WM)?

I guess I'd just have to purchase several types and find what works best...

Jason

Lawdog · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2005, 11:39:43 AM »

Stoots,

I own a few Ruger rifles and a couple of the newer M77 MKII and the first thing you want to do s remove the "lawyer" trigger and install a Timney Adjustable one. Not hard to do and will make all the difference in the world in the accuracy. It will also increase the value of your rifle by doing this. With factor loads I see no reason why you shouldnt get very acceptable groupings, around 1 1/2, with your new Ruger. Lawdog

bchannell · « **Reply #6 on:** January 12, 2005, 12:39:27 PM »

AMEN, to replacing the trigger in the Ruger, first thing. I've got a .260, .270, .280, and 30/06(x2). I've also had another 5 or 6 in the last couple of years. Of all of them, I've probably had one that would not shoot well, a 7X57. Some shot well right out of the box, as in a .243 I sold, that shot 3 shots touching at 100 yards, the first three shots down the tube were a 3/8" group. Others needed some bedding work and/or floating the barrel.
They're fine guns, and shoot well for the most part. As in any manufacturer, you'll get a klinker once in a while, but I believe Ruger is really making some fine guns right now and very fine barrels. I've also heard that Ruger is putting extra special effort into their customer service, which is a wise thing to do in this day and age of "out the door, forget it" type of sales.

Ramrod · « **Reply #7 on:** January 12, 2005, 01:43:15 PM »

Stoots, I don't know where folks get the idea that a minute of angle rifle is needed for big game. A gun that keeps all it's shots inside 1-1/2 or even 2 inches at 100 yards is a 250 -300 yard big game gun. Pinpoint accuracy off a bench is worthless in the field to someone who can't stand on their hind legs and shoot. Get the Ruger if thats what you like. My little brother has shot all kinds of game with his model 77 (Pre-warning), deer, elk, antelope, and alot of smaller stuff like woodchucks, ect. I doubt it will ever shoot better than 1-1/2 inch groups with factory loads, but every time I try to buy it from him he just laughs.

Lawdog · « **Reply #8 on:** January 12, 2005, 02:40:25 PM »

Ramrod,

Quote

I don't know where folks get the idea that a minute of angle rifle is needed for big game. A gun that keeps all it's shots inside 1-1/2 or even 2 inches at 100 yards is a 250 -300 yard big game gun. Pinpoint accuracy off a bench is worthless in the field to someone who can't stand on their hind legs and shoot.

The reason it is needed and not worthless is a large number of us like to use our rifles for other things than just killing a deer. You try to use a 2" @ 100 yard rifle on Ground Squirrels(and the like) and all you are going to do is waste a lot of ammo. Also I, for one, like to aim at a certain spot on a big game animal and know that as long as I do my part the bullet is going exactly where I want it to go. Yeah, having a rifle that shoots sub MOA IS IMPORTANT to a great many of us and YES we do know how to stand on our hind legs and SHOOT. Lawdog

Ramrod · « **Reply #9 on:** January 12, 2005, 02:53:09 PM »

I'll just repeat my advice to Stoots. Get the Ruger if thats what you like!
For the same reasons that you didn't buy the fastest car just to drive to work, you don't need the most accurate rifle to hunt big game!
Varmints are a different matter, thats why they make varmint rifles.

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #10 on:** January 13, 2005, 11:56:14 AM »

I shoot the m77 MK2 in a 338 mag. I like to try different hand loads in it (looking for the magic combo). I shoot off the bench and if I get anything close to 1" at a 100 I am happy. There are a lot more bullets available now than before, and here in Iowa winters the wind blows hard, so it makes as good a coyote gun as can be.
Jim

longwalker · « **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2005, 12:02:02 PM »

The RUGER M77 MKII is an excellent rifle. I own one in 25-06. Not only is it sub 1 inch groups at 100 yards, it's made in the USA. I would think the "accuracy" problems come from trigger and poor marksmanship. The one very nice thing about the M77MKII, it is very easy to improve the trigger if needed.

I think you would be well served with any RUGER product.

One additional word of advice. Clean the bore before firing a shot. Clean so no more black, gray, brown stuff comes out on the patch. After you shoot ONE round, clean it again. Do this for the first 10 shots. Forget about consistency and where on the paper. Just shoot and clean. When you have about 25 round through the gun. You should get a feel for how it is shooting. If you don't like it change ammo brands or bullet weight. You will find a load that will make you happy.

Good luck,

Longwalker :grin: