Ruger: M77 ( Hawkeye) vs American

powdergun

powdergun

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With the impending loss of the production of the M77(Hawkeye rifle) I would like to know some first hand comparison from those of you who have owned both. I have owned an older M77 in the past and appreciate the build quality of the action. However, I have not owned or used an American model and there is only so much a guy can get from reading. Hearing from folks who have actually used them is in my opinion a more valid source of info.

IMHO the M77 was what I would call a lifetime gun. In other words it was solid, well built and had acceptable accuracy that would last a lifetime of use. Are the American models akin to the Savage axis and similar ?


As always thank in advance for the info.
 
The American Gen 1 was a direct competitor to the Axis line. Though I would say the American was a better rifle in my experience having owned both. The magazine was much better and I never had any feeding issues. The trigger on my Axis was better. The Ruger was more reliable. Both the Axis and the American Gen 1 were really accurate for me.

The American Gen 2 offers a distinct new value proposition for those wanting a cheap-ish rifle that has a brake and cerakote and a slightly better stock from factory. It's still a budget rifle and still feels like a budget rifle. It's not something you pick up and go "wow, this is a really nice rifle". The feeding is improved from Gen 1. The stock is also improved. But it's not a Hawkeye.

Is the Gen 2 American still a lifetime gun? For the average hunter, absolutely. Is it "heirloom quality" as in having that special, super smooth, really well built feeling? Not in my opinion.
 
Yeah comparing a Mauser action built of good materials to a price point gun is not quite fair when it comes to long term use.

That said I've shot cases of ammo through Americans in 7.62x39mm and 5.56mm and in the space of a couple thousand rounds nothing broke, nothing stopped working, etc. Have shot/had about 6 of em in different calibers, and used a few more.

If they are going to have problems they are going to be apparent pretty soon. Variable trigger quality, bolt smoothness, etc. All of em lately that I have seen (Gen 1 and 2) had their barrel channels well centered in the stock. Stocks are sufficiently sturdy. I have NOT had a mag issue of any sort.

I think they can be quite reliable rifles. there are also aftermarket parts to make them more so.

My biggest gripe about the Americans is they aren't available in stainless and the Hawkeye is.


For similar rifles, the Franchi Momentum, CVA Cascade, Sauer 100, Browning A Bolt III, Winchester XPR come to mind. haven't used any of them as much as the Americans though.
 
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There was a short window in the mid 2000's when the Winchester M70 was available in LH bolt action. I had one and regretted selling it. Since then I got a Ruger M77 Hawkeye in LH bolt action configuration. It's not going anywhere soon...! I've not owned a Ruger American, and I don't expect to get one anytime soon. All though I did get a Winchester XPR and I'm debating whether to take it out for whitetail this year. I've never been attracted to rifles that are at the entry level set-ups. But I do understand why people buy them. I'd rather pay a few extra nickels and dimes for something that is more pleasing to the eye.
 
My sample size is pretty small, but I think the American is a nicer rifle than a Rem 783 or Savage Axis. They tend to shoot and feed well. They are not in the same class as the 77/MKII/Hawkeyes, not even close.
 
The Ruger Americans that I own (7.62x39, and 5.56 both Ranch models) shoot great but are not pleasent to look too closely at. My old M77 and M77mk2 rifles are nice to handle and look at, great to shoot to. I also have a couple of M77 Hawkeyes, they are good but the cheap is creeping in and they are not as well finished as my older M77mk2 rifles and just don't feel as quality as the older ones.
 
I have many M77's and will continue to buy them as treasures pop up used. I have a few Americans only as beaters that replaced cheep loaner Axis i had. To be honest Gen 2s are nice, but they need to sell them in wood not Tupperware. People will pay for quality. Someone in accounting forgot that.
 
In my opinion the Ruger American rifle killed the M77 Mark II/Hawkeye rifles. Not because they are better guns, but because most consumers are DUMB and CHEAP... and they did not understand the difference between the two lines. When buying a bolt action rifle they see two rifles with "Ruger" engraved but one is double the price... a no brainer for a neophyte... a sad day for real shooters and hunters.
 
"They're so dumb they don't know the difference"?

I dunno. Maybe most hunters really just don't need anything beyond a reliable, cheap, accurate enough rifle. Which the American clearly is. And having the Mauser 98 action and all the features a rifle loonie appreciates means nothing to them.

There are cases that don't highlight our own superiority and denigrate the intelligence of others.
 
hoytcanon said:
In my opinion the Ruger American rifle killed the M77 Mark II/Hawkeye rifles. Not because they are better guns, but because most consumers are DUMB and CHEAP... and they did not understand the difference between the two lines. When buying a bolt action rifle they see two rifles with "Ruger" engraved but one is double the price... a no brainer for a neophyte... a sad day for real shooters and hunters.
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Oh the American 100% killed the M77/Hawkeye. Particularly the Gen 2. The Gen 1 wasnt really a direct competitor, but with the Gen 2 price increase it all the sudden went from a bit more than an Axis to a bit less than a Tikka.

Lucky for me I just bought a used M77 mkII like a month ago. I suspect they're gonna go up in price now.
 
Suther said:
Oh the American 100% killed the M77/Hawkeye. Particularly the Gen 2. The Gen 1 wasnt really a direct competitor, but with the Gen 2 price increase it all the sudden went from a bit more than an Axis to a bit less than a Tikka.

Lucky for me I just bought a used M77 mkII like a month ago. I suspect they're gonna go up in price now.
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Probably!

I wish they would do an American in stainless again, but since they probably won't, gonna likely pick up a Hawkeye.
 
Joel said:
"They're so dumb they don't know the difference"?

I dunno. Maybe most hunters really just don't need anything beyond a reliable, cheap, accurate enough rifle. Which the American clearly is. And having the Mauser 98 action and all the features a rifle loonie appreciates means nothing to them.

There are cases that don't highlight our own superiority and denigrate the intelligence of others.
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I have two friends who still hunt with a Savage Axis, and it's been like 10 years. They've talked about upgrading, but haven't yet. They'll most likely go to a Tikka or Browning when they do.

If all that matters is your gun will kill a deer each fall an Axis/American/Rem783/Mossberg anything all do the job. They tend to feed and fire just fine, some of them are even really accurate. Its all the other stuff that they fall short on.
 
Suther said:
I have two friends who still hunt with a Savage Axis, and it's been like 10 years. They've talked about upgrading, but haven't yet. They'll most likely go to a Tikka or Browning when they do.

If all that matters is your gun will kill a deer each fall an Axis/American/Rem783/Mossberg anything all do the job. They tend to feed and fire just fine, some of them are even really accurate. Its all the other stuff that they fall short on.
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Indeed. Different people put a value on different things. Not everyone appreciates a more refined gun enough to spend the money, but that doesn't mean they are stupid troglodytes who don't know the difference.

And theres a ton of good things to be said about the Tikka they upgrade to as a "lifelong" gun. Of all the criticism, none of it is about how long they last or well they function.
 
For many the price difference equals a cheap scope, ammo and a tank of gas that will get them hunting when previously they would not have been able to.

I hate the race to the bottom as much as the next guy, but being a snob about of all things, a ruger m77, is pretty ####ing funny.

There's plenty of guys with ruger Americans who spend a lot more time "real hunting" than the buy/sell/trade crowd do

PS I want to emphasize how much I dislike ruger Americans. I have over the last few years embraced quality over quantity. I am lucky to be able to afford to do so. I don't begrudge anyone who buys what they can afford and enjoys the sport.

This is not the same as wanting to circle jerk on a forum for gun collectors about how great ruger Americans and axis are, or praising them for feeding and firing.
 
isnt the Winchester XPR a better thing on the Ballin on a budget side of life??

i think thats where i would aim. i too, dont like the American Rugers--- but own a Mkii Hawkeye....
 
hoytcanon said:
In my opinion the Ruger American rifle killed the M77 Mark II/Hawkeye rifles. Not because they are better guns, but because most consumers are DUMB and CHEAP... and they did not understand the difference between the two lines. When buying a bolt action rifle they see two rifles with "Ruger" engraved but one is double the price... a no brainer for a neophyte... a sad day for real shooters and hunters.
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indeed.
 
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