I had an appointment in the Big Smoke y-day and, as luck would have it, Cabela's was across the Henday from where I was at so no choice but to go browse. Right?
The store was not busy at all and I had nothing in particular in mind so I was just lazily wandering around enjoying myself. I wandered past the "Gun Library" where I understood a bunch of high end expensive firearms lived while locked up behind glass. A young couple came out excitedly talking about a firearm and so I thought WTH I am in no hurry. Now keep in mind I live so far out in the bush they have to pump sunshine in for me and I don't get to the Big Smoke very often. So I was surprised when I went in to find all the high end firearms gone and lots of used/consigned(?) firearms in their place.
I have been seeking a 257 Roberts and a 7x57 for quite some time now so I figured no harm in looking. Drew a blank on the 257 but surprisingly there were TWO 7x57's both in Ruger M77...one a 77R and one the original 77. The staff was right there, happy to show me both rifles, provided a bore light and talked rifles and calibers with me.
The M77 was a nice rifle but had a muzzle brake on it and was well used. The 77R was in great condition but had a really poor plastic stock on it. After dithering back and forth for a while I chose the 77R and brought it home. The stock issue I plan on making a winter project and putting some nice walnut on it or a composite. The prices on both rifles were surprisingly good with the 77R less expensive.
I bought a Vortex Diamondback scope to see where the chips fall with this rifle but was disappointed to hear that Cabela's no longer carries Ruger scope mounts. He said they usually have a Burris or Leopold change over but were out of stock on those as well. So I will have to source some mounts somewhere.
I mentioned to the staff that they should have their used/consigned on line and he agreed but said store management doesn't think it is worth the effort.
So one more off the bucket list. Now to find that elusive Browning 257 Roberts....
Dave
The store was not busy at all and I had nothing in particular in mind so I was just lazily wandering around enjoying myself. I wandered past the "Gun Library" where I understood a bunch of high end expensive firearms lived while locked up behind glass. A young couple came out excitedly talking about a firearm and so I thought WTH I am in no hurry. Now keep in mind I live so far out in the bush they have to pump sunshine in for me and I don't get to the Big Smoke very often. So I was surprised when I went in to find all the high end firearms gone and lots of used/consigned(?) firearms in their place.
I have been seeking a 257 Roberts and a 7x57 for quite some time now so I figured no harm in looking. Drew a blank on the 257 but surprisingly there were TWO 7x57's both in Ruger M77...one a 77R and one the original 77. The staff was right there, happy to show me both rifles, provided a bore light and talked rifles and calibers with me.
The M77 was a nice rifle but had a muzzle brake on it and was well used. The 77R was in great condition but had a really poor plastic stock on it. After dithering back and forth for a while I chose the 77R and brought it home. The stock issue I plan on making a winter project and putting some nice walnut on it or a composite. The prices on both rifles were surprisingly good with the 77R less expensive.
I bought a Vortex Diamondback scope to see where the chips fall with this rifle but was disappointed to hear that Cabela's no longer carries Ruger scope mounts. He said they usually have a Burris or Leopold change over but were out of stock on those as well. So I will have to source some mounts somewhere.
I mentioned to the staff that they should have their used/consigned on line and he agreed but said store management doesn't think it is worth the effort.
So one more off the bucket list. Now to find that elusive Browning 257 Roberts....
Dave
