Buy it for life- bolt action rifle

[conor_90]

Hawkeyes are good rifles, just commenting on the comment, which I read in an article. Think it was made by a ruger sales rep; that they make a better model 70 than the model 70.

Lots to like about the m77. Wish they came in good synthetic stocks though. One of my fav ring mounting systems, good triggers on the Hawkeyes. Just solid "working rifles" in general.

Kimbers that don't shoot are usually because of a loose nut behind the trigger

 

[tactical lever]

researched em both out a little while ago, every review possible and then forums where people had experiences with both and could go into nuances about safety, trigger etc, I forget some of it but a couple things I recollect in new 70 trigger is new and not like the loved old one and the new ruger one is more like the old 70 trigger, and the safety was liked better on the ruger (maybe only if quieter), otherwise still close in many respects but learn more about the barrel, rifling type, chamber etc. (match levels) and bedding/floating since I like to set up to go a little longer and have it done right out of the box (no smithing needed) it was the ruger that made my list for 'one day' and the 70's did not, I also like wood stainless and 20" for 308 and ruger did that right as well, threaded for suppressors was also a bonus as we are the great state of Canada so suppressors are coming....anyway, read all the Hawkeye hunter reviews or watch the video reviews and they shoot, and they got all 77 peccadilloes of old fixed like the trip for the hinged floor plate can't be tripped by finger under recoil etc. and I believe the 70 is good there also, so maybe depending on some rifle specific cartridges and configurations we are picking fly #### from pepper but I saw the Hawkeye as this article did when I was done all my usual ocd levels of research that it is the better 70

https://www.rifleshootermag.com/editorial/ruger-m77-hawkeye-vs-winchester-model-70/83497

I don't think the old 77 had "issues". If your finger tripped the floor plate upon firing, you either have a weird finger, or you're getting rag-dolled by your rifle.

I prefer the new safety to the tang safety. The actions seem to be smoother on older 77, but I'm sure some wearing in will help.

The Hawkeye might seem to be a controlled round feed and perhaps designed to be, but I think a great deal of them are glorified push feeds with a full length extractor.

I like Ruger and they seem to be taking over my gun storage, but I would hesitate to say that they are superior to old model 70, and I'm not even sure they "out 70 a new 70"...

I think the Winchester Super Grades with CRF would be on my radar. Classic Brno (possibly newer CZ), as well as Husqvarna with the older Mauser actions, or newer commercial 98 actions too, if looking for a real high grade CFR shooter. High grade as I use it, doesn't necessarily mean very expensive either.

 

[Hitzy]

Hawkeyes are good rifles, just commenting on the comment, which I read in an article. Think it was made by a ruger sales rep; that they make a better model 70 than the model 70.

Lots to like about the m77. Wish they came in good synthetic stocks though. One of my fav ring mounting systems, good triggers on the Hawkeyes. Just solid "working rifles" in general.

Kimbers that don't shoot are usually because of a loose nut behind the trigger

Not sure I would buy that sales pitch, I'm not the biggest fan of investment casting actions and bolts, Ruger made a cheaper M70 but not better.

 

[doctor_meltdown]

for 1200$ in 308, used: CZ557 range.
If you find an older 550 with the slim stock (no lines going throught the checkering) it is worth a shot as well. It has a long action though.

 

[geologist]

for 1200$ in 308, used: CZ557 range.
If you find an older 550 with the slim stock (no lines going throught the checkering) it is worth a shot as well. It has a long action though.

Wouldn't a .308 Win CZ550 be built on their short action receiver ie same as the predecessor BRNO 601 rifle?

 

[m1008]

Wouldn't a .308 Win CZ550 be built on their short action receiver ie same as the predecessor BRNO 601 rifle?

No the 601 length disappeared when the 550 came out. You have a standard “long” length 550 and the “magnum” length that replaced the 602.

 

[Meroh]

Zastava (if they ever come back to Canada) and CZ (also getting scarce).

 

[doctor_meltdown]

No the 601 length disappeared when the 550 came out. You have a standard “long” length 550 and the “magnum” length that replaced the 602.

Wouldn't a .308 Win CZ550 be built on their short action receiver ie same as the predecessor BRNO 601 rifle?

exactly. The CZ550 in 243 and 550 was mag fed on the same action as the 3006 family which had a hinged floorplate.

I had a nice CZ550 FS in 308 with some 10rd mags but I ended up selling it and keeping the CZ557 range. Despite preferring the look of the FS and the CRF, the 550s bolt had more travel and slop and the mags were weirdly designed (not that easy to load rounds into and had to be inserted at a weird angle). Beautiful rifle though. There's a CZ550 FS with the slim stock on GP now and I keep having to remind myself I just sold mine to not buy it.

I reiterate the CZ557 range as a good choice for wood .308 lifetime rifle at approx $1200: smooth bolt in a short aciton, 1:10 twist, you can use 10 and 4 rd mags, see the sights through the pic rail.

 

[geologist]

No the 601 length disappeared when the 550 came out. You have a standard “long” length 550 and the “magnum” length that replaced the 602.

Didn't know that, thanks.

 

[MiG25]

Only reason to pick the 308 over the 30-06 is if you want a Savage 99, which obviously isn't a bolt action.

Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in 270WCF is ~$1500. I think that's the answer.

 

[hobophobe]

Stevens 334 also get excellent reviews. The 6.5cm review i watched it was stacking em after he got it sighted. 243, 6.5, 308 and 06.

They look great in that walnut stock.

 

[jjohnwm]

The Hawkeye might seem to be a controlled round feed and perhaps designed to be, but I think a great deal of them are glorified push feeds with a full length extractor.

The earliest-production MkII model 77's were equipped with the claw extractor but were most assuredly not CRF, being equipped with a projecting lip all around the circumference of the bolt face which encircled the entire base of the cartridge just like a Rem700. I had three of the then-new paddle-stock MkII rifles, and had one of them, a 338, modified to a true CRF by having a gunsmith machine away part of the lip encircling the cartridge head to allow the rim to slip up under the extractor as the cartridge left the magazine. Ruger changed this design feature shortly after the new guns came out, largely due to ridicule by gunwriters of the day. I don't know how many were built with the older boltface design but don't think it was a large number; I certainly don't see a lot around today.

 

[tactical lever]

Not sure I would buy that sales pitch, I'm not the biggest fan of investment casting actions and bolts, Ruger made a cheaper M70 but not better.

Not crazy about pot metal, but these MIM parts might be better compared to powdered steel used in high quality knives.

Really can't speak with authority about some quantifiable difference in wear and quality, but Ruger seems to have done a good job.

One thing I like about the Ruger is the one piece bolt handle. Seems like a step up over brazed on. Or worse held with a tiny screw.

 

[tactical lever]

The earliest-production MkII model 77's were equipped with the claw extractor but were most assuredly not CRF, being equipped with a projecting lip all around the circumference of the bolt face which encircled the entire base of the cartridge just like a Rem700. I had three of the then-new paddle-stock MkII rifles, and had one of them, a 338, modified to a true CRF by having a gunsmith machine away part of the lip encircling the cartridge head to allow the rim to slip up under the extractor as the cartridge left the magazine. Ruger changed this design feature shortly after the new guns came out, largely due to ridicule by gunwriters of the day. I don't know how many were built with the older boltface design but don't think it was a large number; I certainly don't see a lot around today.

I know the old Mk2 were push feed. Thought it was a little disappointing when I got one.

I also have a new Hawkeye that I purchased very recently, so I wasn't surprised this time that it was push feed.

I was surprised to find out that it's not supposed to be.

Apparently very common to get them like that and need a little tweaking. The extractor does snap over very easily, and playing with the bolt speed I can occasionally get it to work. Not as nice as my 96s and 98s.

 

[wallythacker]

My blued guns last, but I take care of them.
Even if the bluing does get worn it is not an issue to re-blue it.
You will NEVER see a stainless and plastic hunting rifle in my rack, ever.
I draw the line at stainless barrels, and even they are not infallible, I have seen many that need re- ceracoting or re- blasting

Cat

My rack is all SS. except for a single 22 that I have for nostalgia reasons.
I'm a few years older than you and was in a situation that exposed me to many firearms left above doors, under beds, in corners and heaven forbid, outside sheds in moderately damp climates.
The take away from all this is that I encountered many, many firearms which had they been stored better would have been graded A+. With flawed bores and pitted actions the best of these would struggle to reach B- grade. There was one collection that was heart breaking, pre 64 Winchesters, early 700's, some English doubles. Now I get stainless was not in use back then so there was no choice for those firearms. But stainless is now widespread and when-if someone comes across my collection in the future they are all going to look like new and bring commensurate values when sold.

 

[wallythacker]

I said m77 stainless with a synthetic paddle stock. They are the best new gun in that price range right now for sure

A good friend of mine is sitting on a mountain of M77 boat paddle rifles. All stainless. Every larger caliber they came in. They were fairly plentiful and affordable when he was buying a rifle every other month. He refuses to let me browse his collection. Matter of fact he won't even divulge the count. I estimate he has 125+ in his vault. He was at it until Ruger discontinued the boat paddle even then he was buying NIB from wherever he found them.

 

[iron cat]

My rack is all SS. except for a single 22 that I have for nostalgia reasons.
I'm a few years older than you and was in a situation that exposed me to many firearms left above doors, under beds, in corners and heaven forbid, outside sheds in moderately damp climates.
The take away from all this is that I encountered many, many firearms which had they been stored better would have been graded A+. With flawed bores and pitted actions the best of these would struggle to reach B- grade. There was one collection that was heart breaking, pre 64 Winchesters, early 700's, some English doubles. Now I get stainless was not in use back then so there was no choice for those firearms. But stainless is now widespread and when-if someone comes across my collection in the future they are all going to look like new and bring commensurate values when sold.

I still shoot my 1878 Westely Richards hammer 12, an 1899 Westley Richards box lock an 1862 Snider , an 1850's Chance and sons ML 14 gauge and a very old Lefachaux under lever 16 gauge .
All of these guns were well used when I took possession of them and none were kept in a climate controlled gun cabinet.
All needed very little work to get them in fine shooting form.
Cat

 

[gordonlbyrne]

Well if I were looking for the one time rifle it would be a hard decision to make ,there are so many choices and beautiful rifles .Who could own only one anyway.
I agree stainless would be a great choices in a nice mauser style action ,I think if I was eighteen again something along this line would do it for me .The one that started it all was the old family lee Enfield no1mk111 when I started hunting it had already been around a life time and still going strong if need be .

 

[wallythacker]

Oops. I somehow ended up with 5 Axis rifles, all but 1 are stainless, 1 has a nice wood stock and stainless Creedmoor chambering, Accutrigger. For $800 I don't think there is anything out there than can outshoot it nor look prettier.
My other Axis were mostly bought when they were all $4-500 new, so decades ago. I have a .223, 308, 7.62x39, 6.5mm Creedmoor, 25/06 lefty. I am a lefty but grew up using RH bolt action so there's 50 years of muscle memory in my inventory. When I bought my Ruger M77 stainless rifles I looked at them as "forever" guns, same with my stainless levers. Funny, I never shot my levers and barely used my M77s. The SKS and Mini 14/30 got used A LOT. A couple of the Axis are shot extensively. And show no signs of wear after 10K rounds of all types.

Anyhow, you can still get a stainless scoped Axis for $575 in 308 or Creedmoor. It's not $1500 like a T3 or $2000 like a Browning or $1900 for a Smith 1854 lever. All great guns by the way. All also require more $$$ for decent optics if you want to hit anything.

During those rare times 308 appears on the cheap you'll have lots of spare coin to snap it up because you bought an Axis. Tell me again how much fun it is to have a great $2k gun and you can't afford another $1500 for enough ammo to enjoy the thing? You can put a lot of 308/Creedmoor down the pipe of your $575 Axis for the $13-1500 you still have in your pocket because you didn't buy that stainless laminated T3 Varmiter.

If you really dig shooting the Axis can be your truck gun, if you maintained it you can sell it and maybe even profit or you can hand it down to a family member you introduced to shooting. Then you can drop $1500+ on a big name gun. Anyhow, this is all just my opinion, and free so it's valueless. lol

 

[jparent]

Oops. I somehow ended up with 5 Axis rifles, all but 1 are stainless, 1 has a nice wood stock and stainless Creedmoor chambering, Accutrigger. For $800 I don't think there is anything out there than can outshoot it nor look prettier.
My other Axis were mostly bought when they were all $4-500 new, so decades ago. I have a .223, 308, 7.62x39, 6.5mm Creedmoor, 25/06 lefty. I am a lefty but grew up using RH bolt action so there's 50 years of muscle memory in my inventory. When I bought my Ruger M77 stainless rifles I looked at them as "forever" guns, same with my stainless levers. Funny, I never shot my levers and barely used my M77s. The SKS and Mini 14/30 got used A LOT. A couple of the Axis are shot extensively. And show no signs of wear after 10K rounds of all types.

Anyhow, you can still get a stainless scoped Axis for $575 in 308 or Creedmoor. It's not $1500 like a T3 or $2000 like a Browning or $1900 for a Smith 1854 lever. All great guns by the way. All also require more $$$ for decent optics if you want to hit anything.

During those rare times 308 appears on the cheap you'll have lots of spare coin to snap it up because you bought an Axis. Tell me again how much fun it is to have a great $2k gun and you can't afford another $1500 for enough ammo to enjoy the thing? You can put a lot of 308/Creedmoor down the pipe of your $575 Axis for the $13-1500 you still have in your pocket because you didn't buy that stainless laminated T3 Varmiter.

If you really dig shooting the Axis can be your truck gun, if you maintained it you can sell it and maybe even profit or you can hand it down to a family member you introduced to shooting. Then you can drop $1500+ on a big name gun. Anyhow, this is all just my opinion, and free so it's valueless. lol

I'm a big fan of high value rifles too. I never warmed up to the Axis, but i really like my 334. I have just under $500 tied up in my 308.... and that includes the $45 trigger job my gunsmith performed to clean up the creep and reduce the pull weight (why Savage did not leave the user adjustable trigger like the Turqua's is beyond me, they have adjustable triggers in their other guns). Despite being a cheap gun, i have no doubt it will be around a while. Nothing wrong with buying a heirloom, but most hunters shoot so little, and carry the gun for maybe 2 weeks a year. Can't justify all that money for something used that much.