Why no love for Ruger?
- Thread starter Mount Sweetness
- Start date
i agree with all the above posts, and will add that Ruger 77 rifles seem to have gained a reputation for mediocrity.
They are not as sleek as a Model 70 and don;t have the "riflemans's rifle" rep behind them
They were never embraced by the varmint/accuracy/tacti-cool crowd like the Model 700 was (for a number of good reasons)
They are not as dirt cheap as a Savage 200 or Mossberg
They are not uber-modern looking like a T3 (which also has a universal acceptance for out-of-the-box accuracy)
They are probably the toughest, simplest and most 'workmanlike' hunting rifle ever produced, with less parts than even an M98 (or close), and the Mark II's (post 89 or 90) are uniformly at least as accurate as current production Model 70's or 700's in hunting rifle configuration.
In addition, the Ruger scope mounting system, once you ensure they are straight (many aren't), is better than anything available.
They are not as sleek as a Model 70 and don;t have the "riflemans's rifle" rep behind them
They were never embraced by the varmint/accuracy/tacti-cool crowd like the Model 700 was (for a number of good reasons)
They are not as dirt cheap as a Savage 200 or Mossberg
They are not uber-modern looking like a T3 (which also has a universal acceptance for out-of-the-box accuracy)
They are probably the toughest, simplest and most 'workmanlike' hunting rifle ever produced, with less parts than even an M98 (or close), and the Mark II's (post 89 or 90) are uniformly at least as accurate as current production Model 70's or 700's in hunting rifle configuration.
In addition, the Ruger scope mounting system, once you ensure they are straight (many aren't), is better than anything available.
That's pretty much it for me...no doubt we have mag restrictions in Canada because of that idiots senile ramblings.
Besides which methinks there are better hunting rifles out there at the price level.
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After reading all the posts to this thread I must admit to having had some kind of luck with the Ruger centerfire rifles I've owned.
My first was a tangsafety Model 77 [wood/blued] in .300 Win Mag with 24 factory barrel. Bought used. I don't know if the trigger was worked on or not. It was very acceptable just as I purchased it, though. I put a used Bushnell Banner [the older model] 3-9x38mm on it. I got honest 3 shot cloverleaf groups with it @ 100 yards with 70 grains IMR 4350 behind a 180 grain JSP. Regretably, I only sold this rifle when I went to a Browning Abolt composite stalker in .300 Win Mag for the 26" barrel. It also is a "shooter".
My second Ruger was a NIB MkII Model 77 [wood/blued] in 6.5x55mm with 22" factory barrel bought at Lever Arms in Vancouver, B.C. circa 1993. It shot sub 1" with factory ammo right out of the box. I didn't touch that trigger either. Regretably, sold that one when I acquired a Remington 700 Classic in 6.5x55mm. I believe at least 3 other CGN'ers have owned that particular Ruger 77.
My third Ruger 77 [wood/blued] was an "as new" tangsafety in 7x57mm with 22" factory barrel bought off CGN here in one of the earlier incarnations [well before 2004]. Only shot it so far with factory IVI ammo. Got 5/8" 3 shot groups with it at 100 yards. Think I'll leave that trigger alone until I do some load development with it. Still have this one.
My fourth is a MkII Model 77 [stainless/synthetic] in 7.62x39mm. Bought used. Still haven't put a round down the pipe on this one myself. Soon, though, soon....
I'd say I've had good luck with Ruger 77's.
My first was a tangsafety Model 77 [wood/blued] in .300 Win Mag with 24 factory barrel. Bought used. I don't know if the trigger was worked on or not. It was very acceptable just as I purchased it, though. I put a used Bushnell Banner [the older model] 3-9x38mm on it. I got honest 3 shot cloverleaf groups with it @ 100 yards with 70 grains IMR 4350 behind a 180 grain JSP. Regretably, I only sold this rifle when I went to a Browning Abolt composite stalker in .300 Win Mag for the 26" barrel. It also is a "shooter".
My second Ruger was a NIB MkII Model 77 [wood/blued] in 6.5x55mm with 22" factory barrel bought at Lever Arms in Vancouver, B.C. circa 1993. It shot sub 1" with factory ammo right out of the box. I didn't touch that trigger either. Regretably, sold that one when I acquired a Remington 700 Classic in 6.5x55mm. I believe at least 3 other CGN'ers have owned that particular Ruger 77.
My third Ruger 77 [wood/blued] was an "as new" tangsafety in 7x57mm with 22" factory barrel bought off CGN here in one of the earlier incarnations [well before 2004]. Only shot it so far with factory IVI ammo. Got 5/8" 3 shot groups with it at 100 yards. Think I'll leave that trigger alone until I do some load development with it. Still have this one.
My fourth is a MkII Model 77 [stainless/synthetic] in 7.62x39mm. Bought used. Still haven't put a round down the pipe on this one myself. Soon, though, soon....
I'd say I've had good luck with Ruger 77's.
- Location
- Dah Soo,ON
I have a MKII SS in .270 WSM. I find it to be heavier than my Model 700 CDL SF. But it balances great. The fit and finish if it is great with one exception, the bolt is sloppy. But sloppy isn't a bad thing (unless we're talking women 
), the bolt cycles and feeds/extracts flawlessly. People here are pointing out the trigger needs improving, on mine it seemed to break around 5 or 6 pounds (which is normal nowdays in our lawyer'd up society) but the trigger has no side to side slop or creep (I cant say that abot any of my M700 triggers). It also shoots MOA to 1.5 MOA with 160gr. Accutips (which is probably all I can shoot to be honest).
), the bolt cycles and feeds/extracts flawlessly. People here are pointing out the trigger needs improving, on mine it seemed to break around 5 or 6 pounds (which is normal nowdays in our lawyer'd up society) but the trigger has no side to side slop or creep (I cant say that abot any of my M700 triggers). It also shoots MOA to 1.5 MOA with 160gr. Accutips (which is probably all I can shoot to be honest).I've got 4:
MkI in 220 swift
MKI in 270
MKII in 243
MKII in 22-250.
All shoot as well as I need them to shoot. Look good, handle well and are tough as nails.
Always looking for more rugers.
I also own a T3 in 338 federal, like it very much as well. Married to the ruger but the tikka is my mistress.
MkI in 220 swift
MKI in 270
MKII in 243
MKII in 22-250.
All shoot as well as I need them to shoot. Look good, handle well and are tough as nails.
Always looking for more rugers.
I also own a T3 in 338 federal, like it very much as well. Married to the ruger but the tikka is my mistress.
punkrockboy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Eastern Bantario!
I recently saw a guy at my club shooting one of these. AT 100 yards, he was shooting around 3/4 inch. I watched him put 10 rounds all in the same 3/4 inch hole. He was shooting handloads out of it. I was amazed how accurate it was!!!!
Mount Sweetness
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Ontario
I have a M77 .22-250, tang safety, 1976 "Built in the 200th Year of American Liberty"...stamped on barrel
I have taken many jack rabbits on the run at 200 yards, plenty accurate with the cheapest ammo. My father owned it before me, it meant a lot to him and means even more to me.
I recommend Ruger every chance I get. I had been shopping for a nice bolt in .17HMR, the only manufacturers that I could take seriously were Ruger and CZ...the Ruger 77/17 is very well made. I looked at Remington, Marlin, Savage and CZ.....Ruger #1 in my books.
I have taken many jack rabbits on the run at 200 yards, plenty accurate with the cheapest ammo. My father owned it before me, it meant a lot to him and means even more to me.
I recommend Ruger every chance I get. I had been shopping for a nice bolt in .17HMR, the only manufacturers that I could take seriously were Ruger and CZ...the Ruger 77/17 is very well made. I looked at Remington, Marlin, Savage and CZ.....Ruger #1 in my books.
- Location
- Lumby Town!!
I've owned a few now, all shot very well with a bit of work, floated the barrels and smoothed the triggers...an easy job you can do your self in 10 minutes. I'll admitt to selling few here on CGN in the last few months and replacing them with Tikkas only b/c they are so light and accurate I can't resist. I do love the CRF and actually have a couple of Rugers on order that I hope will show up some day. I do love the fact that Ruger produces some great "special" runs of guns, but they never get released up here, only the states!!! I'd kill for a stainless/walnut No1 Whelen or that 6.5 stainless international......Anyway, maybe one of my special orders will show up this month...it is Xmas right. Until then my first Hawkeye is sitting at home waiting for me...35 Whelen....nothing say "it's the holidays" like a new highpower rifle.
I'm a fan of the #1's.
I have one in .223, I did swap to a moyer trigger (which is actually just an original #1 trigger). Although the original was ok. I had a buddy put 4 shots into a quarter inch, I shoot .6's to .7's with it. I really like the feel of the #1's and am considering one in .375 H&H and another in maybe an STW.
I have one in .223, I did swap to a moyer trigger (which is actually just an original #1 trigger). Although the original was ok. I had a buddy put 4 shots into a quarter inch, I shoot .6's to .7's with it. I really like the feel of the #1's and am considering one in .375 H&H and another in maybe an STW.
Glock4ever
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Edmonton, AB
I had 2 Rugers and man they both didn't shoot well. I tried handloading, different scopes, etc. Everything short of re-barrelling and it was a no go. I might try another Ruger again as I like their actions but I am very hesitant as I don't like the idea of getting another lemon.
- Location
- Saskatoon Saskatchewan
My next rifle will be a hawkeye in 7mm rem mag LH, I arleady ordered it from WSS but they didn't have one in stock so lord only knows when and if I'll get it. I really like the lines and they let me dry fire a new one at WSS. The new LC6 trigger seems to be pretty good. About 3 lbs with no creep.
I have #1 45-70, #1 30-06 international, #3 45-70, 77 35 Whelen, 77 international 308 #1 tropical 458 and a very early production 1022 all very accurate and deadly reliable. I will take a Ruger over anything else, and that even includes any of my Sako built rifles.
