I couldn't find it if this has allready been talked abought but but I am new too new rifle's and am looking for something a little more accurate than my #1 mk3 303. I would like too find out what kind of group's these shoot at 100 yard's in 270 win and what everyone think's of them.
Browning A Bolt or Ruger M77 Hawkeye?
- Thread starter Gibson
- Start date
The A-bolt has too much aluminum in places where there ought not be any aluminum for my tastes. The Ruger M77 is better in that regard, so I would choose it personally. It is also less money. Both are about equal accuracy-wise IMHO.
westcoaster
CGN Regular
- Location
- Central BC
Between the two you have mentioned I would definitely choose the Ruger Hawkeye. The trigger is much improved and the IMO the Ruger's are built very robustly.
islandhunter
CGN Regular
- Location
- princeton b.c.
I love my hawkeye in .300 win mag but beware of the weight difference between the browning. My ruger weighs 9.5 lbs with the scope, suprisingly accurate though for a ruger.
I would be useing factory ammo. Is their annything else around the Ruger's price range that I might wan't too look at I've seen a verry accurate Tikka at the range too but I'm not real struck on all the plastic but I liked the under half inch group with a light wind but it was .222.
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- Location
- Yellowknife, NWT
I own a Ruger in .257 Roberts and an A-Bolt in .280 Remington. The Ruger is decently accurate and quite robust. The A-Bolt is a tack driver and has several features I prefer; 60 degree bolt lift, semi-detachable mag, free-floated barrel, better trigger, and especially the tang safety. If I could have gotten a new A-Bolt in .257 Roberts, I'd trade my Ruger for it instantly.
I am definitely in the minority though; the one thing I liked about the intro of the Remington 710 was that it gave people some other rifle to deride instead of the A-Bolt.
I am definitely in the minority though; the one thing I liked about the intro of the Remington 710 was that it gave people some other rifle to deride instead of the A-Bolt.
I should point out also that the Ruger can be easily free floated as well, and either rifle would benefit from being glass bedded.
Detachable mags are, IMHO, just another thing to lose. This is not an AR, its a bolt gun - fast mag changes are a non-starter as far as I see it. Hinged floor plates are more robust anyhow.
I also disagree the trigger is better on the A-bolt. The new Ruger triggers are really good though both types would benefit from a good stone job on the sear.
The Ruger has a Winchester-70 style safety (though it works differently internally). If you need to have a tang safety (can't imagine why), get a used Ruger M77 MkI instead of the MkII.
And you're right - after the 710, the A-bolt is a perenial whipping boy around here - LOL.
Also, in my limited experience ( 3 M77s ) the Rugers do or can shoot as well as any other factory offerings.
Suka
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
fit
I've always been a Browning guy. If I couldn't have a Browning, Ruger would be my next choice.
Compare them side to side, throw them both up to your shoulder, and you'll know which you prefer. One will feel more, "right" than the other.
I don't think you'll go wrong with either.
I've always been a Browning guy. If I couldn't have a Browning, Ruger would be my next choice.
Compare them side to side, throw them both up to your shoulder, and you'll know which you prefer. One will feel more, "right" than the other.
I don't think you'll go wrong with either.
Never own any Ruger. I looked into them a long time ago but was turned off because:
Hawkeyes are 1 lb heavier than the A-Bolts. For a bench rifle it is Okay but for hunting and carrying, the extra pound can be a show stopper.
Free floating and trigger job factors - why refine the rifle if it comes finished as in the A-Bolt?
I like to think they are just as accurate.
Browning is more expensive as the material and workmanship IMO is better.
Hawkeyes are 1 lb heavier than the A-Bolts. For a bench rifle it is Okay but for hunting and carrying, the extra pound can be a show stopper.
Free floating and trigger job factors - why refine the rifle if it comes finished as in the A-Bolt?
I like to think they are just as accurate.
Browning is more expensive as the material and workmanship IMO is better.
troutseeker
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Prince George, BC
The Ruger, no no doubt about it!
I would argue it's more due to brand name. Period.
The A-bolt is full of cast aluminum parts, while the Ruger is almost entirely steel. Steel is more expensive to produce and lasts longer. It does make the gun a tad heavier, but if that is a concern, get one of the synthetic stocked versions and the weight will be almost identical.
Also, the Ruger's scope bases are part of the receiver, not screwed on like on the browning so it will mount a scope more solidly.
I like the Ruger version of the Mauser design and the integral scope mounting system. It's strong, sturdy, and reliable. And I've shot more than a few that were definitely minute-of-whitetail accurate. Good guns.
I prefer the Browning trigger, tang safety, bolt throw/smoothness and overall fit-and-finish. I've been spoiled with a Medallion in 7mm Mag that will put 5 cheap Hornadys into .75", but out-of-the-box the Browning A-Bolt seems to be more accurate in general. Don't let that deter you, Ruger has come a long way IMO and the Hawkeye is their best yet - a great hunting rifle.
You need to handle both and decide from there. Personally, if I wanted a rifle that will perform when all bets are off, I'd grab the Ruger. If I want a pretty tack driver, I'll reach for the Browning. I honestly feel as though the right rifle basically chooses itself though. You should know the second you pick it up - "this is the one for me". If neither do that for you, then move on to a Winchester or Remington or Savage or Weatherby until you find the one that "feels" right.
I prefer the Browning trigger, tang safety, bolt throw/smoothness and overall fit-and-finish. I've been spoiled with a Medallion in 7mm Mag that will put 5 cheap Hornadys into .75", but out-of-the-box the Browning A-Bolt seems to be more accurate in general. Don't let that deter you, Ruger has come a long way IMO and the Hawkeye is their best yet - a great hunting rifle.
You need to handle both and decide from there. Personally, if I wanted a rifle that will perform when all bets are off, I'd grab the Ruger. If I want a pretty tack driver, I'll reach for the Browning. I honestly feel as though the right rifle basically chooses itself though. You should know the second you pick it up - "this is the one for me". If neither do that for you, then move on to a Winchester or Remington or Savage or Weatherby until you find the one that "feels" right.
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I would take the new X-bolt over the A-bolt. Ruger will serve you well, and the new Winchester Model 70's as well.
Don't overlook the good quality used rifles, as there are deals to be had. You can often pick up used Winchester M70 XTR (push-feed models), Rem 700's, or even the Husky's for ~$500 and they are built as good or better than many new rifles.
Don't overlook the good quality used rifles, as there are deals to be had. You can often pick up used Winchester M70 XTR (push-feed models), Rem 700's, or even the Husky's for ~$500 and they are built as good or better than many new rifles.
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
I shoot a Browning a-bolt in .270. What a tack driver at 100 yards. I did not like the looks of the Ruger...Sorry but truth will out. I got the .270 here on CGN and built in 1988 and looks today like it was when new. With 100 grain hollow points, hand loaded, it does the job on varmints at 200. Don't need a name...just a good eye and accurate gun.
