Author Topic: Opinions on the Ruger M77 (Read 1953 times)

Sigma · « **on:** May 31, 2005, 11:11:14 AM »

Hi Guys,

Just stopped by a place that had a Ruger M77 in Walnut in 6.5x55.

Do not have any Ruger rifles yet, but like the caliber. From what I've read, the trigger needs some work. How about otherwise? Anyone have experience with these rifles?

Regards

Lawdog · « **Reply #1 on:** May 31, 2005, 12:40:29 PM »

Quote from: Sigma

Hi Guys,

Just stopped by a place that had a Ruger M77 in Walnut in 6.5x55.

Do not have any Ruger rifles yet, but like the caliber. From what I've read, the trigger needs some work. How about otherwise? Anyone have experience with these rifles?

Regards

Rugers are excellent, well made American rifles with a POS "lawyer" trigger that is easily replaced with a Timney Adjustable trigger. They are accurate and Ruger has one of the best customer services departments going. If you like the one you found, buy it and have no fears as it will serve you well for many years to come. Lawdog

Dave in WV · « **Reply #2 on:** May 31, 2005, 12:45:10 PM »

I have a stainless .243 and my son has one in .280. Both are accurate. Mine needed trigger work and his is not bad out of the box.

poncaguy · « **Reply #3 on:** May 31, 2005, 02:24:02 PM »

Just bought a Ruger 77 in 260 today..... :grin:

drdougrx · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2005, 02:56:15 PM »

Hmmmm....lemme think. I own 4 and 2 #1's. They do need trigger work...buy a timney be done with it.

Good shooting!

Doug

Sigma · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2005, 08:11:47 PM »

Appreciate the feedback. Noticed that the barrel contour was more slender than other rifles I own. I kind of like the Mauser-style action. Looks like controlled round feed too. The bolt seems a bit rough but nothing to worry about. Do the M77's group pretty consistent out of the box?

Regards

daddywpb · « **Reply #6 on:** June 02, 2005, 02:07:18 PM »

Except for the trigger, my 77 in 30/06 has been very accurate out of the box. Look into Rifle basix triggers. Just as good as a Timney, but not as expensive and much easier to install.

n5odj · « **Reply #7 on:** June 06, 2005, 12:25:14 PM »

I have two... A made in 1976 model 77 Varmint in .220 Swift & a fairly new "Target" model in .223. The .220 Swift has always been a tack driver with the right load, but I've had to struggle with the .223 to get a good group. Recently, I bought a firelapping kit & put it to use at the range today - following the instructions to the letter. Just by doing that & with no other changes, I went from 1" groups to 1/2" groups & even one 3/8" group. Apparently this gun needed it.

Robert in the hills of NC

poncaguy · « **Reply #8 on:** June 06, 2005, 02:09:53 PM »

I just got a new Ruger 77 in 260 Remington, shot it out my truck window in the Oklahoma wind at 50 yards sighting it in with a cheap Tasco scope (have a Weaver K6 on the way for it)Group was a 1/2" with 2 holes touching ( 3 shot group). Trigger was pretty good for a Ruger. Very happy with it, will go well with my tang saftey 77 in 22-250.

hunting1 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 06, 2005, 04:25:31 PM »

I have 4 that all out of the box shoot outstanding! For the money they are a great rifle, so I would recomend them without any hesitation!

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #10 on:** June 12, 2005, 04:17:51 AM »

Sigma

Ive been a Ruger fan for over 20 years and they are easily my favorite rifle, whether the older M77 or the newer M77 MKII.

The trigger may or may not need work. The older M77s have an adjustable trigger but both older and newer models are easy to rework. I use a Dremel tool and a Cratex wheel to polish up (not grind!) the mating trigger and sear parts and have ended up with some very nice triggers as a result crisp, clean, and right around 2-3/4 to 3-1/2 pounds. I do this on all my firearms, so Ruger or not makes no difference in this area.

Another thing I do to all my wood-stocked rifles is float the barrel. This chore takes about 15 minutes and requires a screwdriver, sandpaper, Magic Marker (to loop the sandpaper around), a little elbow grease, and some polyurethane to reseal the stock. Again, the factthat it is a Ruger makes no difference.

So what can you expect for accuracy at 100 yards? My old 7mm Mag M77 has always shot 0.5 3-shot groups with its preferred load of 160g Speer Grand Slams when I did my part and the wind cooperated. Even though its seen 24 years of use, it recently turned in a 0.266 group with a new load using North Fork bullets. My buddys M77 MKII will shoot 0.4 with Speer Grand Slams. The MKII VT in .22-250 I got a year ago last Christmas put 4 shots into 0.5 at 200 yards and the used M77 in .257 Roberts I got a year ago put 3 into 0.95 at 200 yards. In other words, I wouldnt worry about accuracy potential.

On the upside you get what I think are the best looking rifles around. The Rugers are known for their strength and with their one-piece bolt you will never have to worry that the bolt handle will come off as it has been known to do with two-piece bolts. The scope bases are integral to the receiver, not held in place by itty-bitty screws. A mule and two logs convinced me of just how strong this system is and, although I had a couple broken ribs after the scope and receiver got between them and a log, the scope never lost zero. No doubt in my mind that a standard mounting system would have snapped the screws. The modern M77 MKIIs have controlled-round feed and, more importantly to me, ejection. Plus there is a 3-position safety on the MKIIs. All good IMHO. Cosmetics are simple and functional, the result of Bill Rugers Not a penny for frills attitude, but as I mentioned above, the result is very pleasing to the eye - at least to mine.

Im not one to trade away a rifle that shoots and all my Rugers will be in the safe until Im too old to do anything but give them to the relatives. So go ahead and get the rifle I think you will be very pleased. You asked for opinions and that is mine.

poncaguy · « **Reply #11 on:** June 12, 2005, 04:29:59 AM »

I definately agree, the best looking rifle out there ( that I can afford anyway! ) Just got a Mark II in 260 and really like it. Goes very well with my older tang safety 22-250. Both will shoot less than MOA. Plus I have a new Mark III 22 in SS, a 17 HMR Single Six, a P90,P95 and a P345 and a old Mark II bull barrel. I guess I love Rugers!

victorcharlie · « **Reply #12 on:** June 12, 2005, 05:16:58 AM »

I've got a few Rugers in my safe........They are my favorites......

mangulator · « **Reply #13 on:** June 12, 2005, 11:01:46 AM »

I have owned a 30-06 M77 since 1976 hasn't let me down yet :gun4:

Slamfire · « **Reply #14 on:** June 12, 2005, 06:21:28 PM »

They are handsome, but remind me more of a Model 95 or 96 than a large ring Mauser, there is no thrid (safety) lug or inner collar in teh receiver ring and no pad on the outside of the ring to reinforce the extractor cut.

cal sibley · « **Reply #15 on:** June 22, 2005, 10:54:53 PM »

I think Ruger is probably a good field rifle. Whenever I've read a magazine article comparing them with other offerings in the same caliber they are always bringing up the rear. I understand Ruger is now making their own barrels so that may help a good bit. I've always found them lacking in the accuracy department especially for range work. Just one mans opinion. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

JDK · « **Reply #16 on:** June 23, 2005, 06:02:40 AM »

I am not a huge Ruger fan but don't think that the Ruger M77-MK II is a bad rifle at all . They seem to be a rugged reliable rifle that represents a good buy in today's market. They generally feed very well, and the scope mounting system is excellent. I personally would rather have a Ruger than most other factory rifles, and I've said that if you own an accurate Ruger, you own a good gun. Some Rugers don't shoot all that well out of the box and you'll have to do much of the same things you'll have to do to many factory rifles.

Its important to remember that a good hunting rifle possesses many traits. Accuracy must also be coupled with dependability and ruggedness. In my opinion, Rugers offer acceptable hunting accuracy, ruggedness, and dependablity at a reasonable price. Pretty hard to beat.

Prophet · « **Reply #17 on:** June 23, 2005, 05:25:47 PM »

My son has a 30-06 Mk 77. He has been shooting it for 18 years. It is one of the most accurate rifles in our safe. I have a 25-06 in the M77 Mk11. It is one of my favorites and as accurate as any other one I own. They both needed trigger jobs which helped us shoot better. We own Remingtons,tikkas,CZs and brownings. There are better looking guns but if you have one that shoots well it is hard to beat a Ruger for the price or any price. My $350.00 used ruger shoots better than my $900.00 Sako. It is just not as pretty. But deer and targets don't really care about looks.

Todd1700 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 23, 2005, 07:10:54 PM »

Quote

Rugers are excellent, well made American rifles with a POS "lawyer" trigger that is easily replaced with a Timney Adjustable trigger.

It's like you took the words out of my mouth. I have a Ruger M77 in 7mm mag and love everthing about it except the trigger. Built solid as a rock, love the mauser style action, and they are easily some of the nicest looking rifles out there for under 1000 dollars. The trigger? Straight out of the box it felt like you needed to put one foot against a tree to get enough leverage to actually pull it till it fired. By God no one is ever going to be able to claim that an unmodified Ruger rifle went off by accident. Which is, I guess, the point of it being that heavy. If Ruger would add a good adjustable trigger and free float the barrel on their M77's they would outsell every other rifle in America.

Sigma · « **Reply #19 on:** June 24, 2005, 04:00:08 AM »

Guys,

Appreciate all of your replies. I've read quite a bit lately about the Rugers, but most seem to agree with the inconsistent accuracy of Ruger rifles out of the box.

One thread said "Wasn't it some guy named Gump that said, Life is like opening a Ruger M77 Rifle box, you never know whats inside - or something like that." Another said: "As a barrelmaker, I have seen many different barrels from many different manufacturers and I will say that Ruger holds the loosest and most inconsistent specs on their internal barrel tolerances that I have seen from any major arms manufacturer."

That's a pretty bold statement. Any rebuttals?

That's the thing about Sakos, Tikkas, and Weatherbys - I like the accuracy statements by the manufacturers. And they hold true for the rifles I have.

Regards

JDK · « **Reply #20 on:** June 24, 2005, 09:51:40 AM »

No rebuttal but..

I was extremely leery of Ruger firearms based on my experience with tang safety M77s. However the last 6 or so that I have been around (including 1 I purchased) have shot consistently and have what I would consider good to excellent accuracy. All shoot under 1.5" at 100 with factory ammo. A friend picked up 2-270s one of which is a consistent sub=MOA shooter with factory ammo. In my opinion, since Ruger began making their own barrels, the quality has improved.

I can tell you what I don't like about my rifle. The safety could be designed better and the trigger needs work. Other than that, its a fine hunting rifle. Again, its your $$ so you have to be happy with your purchase.

I own a couple of Sakos and they are in a completely different class.

PEPAW · « **Reply #21 on:** June 24, 2005, 10:29:59 AM »

My 77V .220 Swift is a wonderful shooter straight out of the box. Never measured a group, but I am sure it will shoot better than I can.

pepaw

Lawdog · « **Reply #22 on:** June 24, 2005, 11:18:00 AM »

Quote from: JDK

No rebuttal but..

I was extremely leery of Ruger firearms based on my experience with tang safety M77s.

There was no problem with the tang safety. Never any record of them failing. Lawdog

JDK · « **Reply #23 on:** June 25, 2005, 09:50:58 AM »

Lawdog

Never said there was a problem associated with the tang safety. However the accuracy of older M77s is such a crapshoot that I'm not willing to take the chance on them.

Lawdog · « **Reply #24 on:** June 25, 2005, 10:42:18 AM »

Quote from: JDK

Lawdog

Never said there was a problem associated with the tang safety. However the accuracy of older M77s is such a crapshoot that I'm not willing to take the chance on them.

I have heard that rumor too. I have never had a accuracy problem with any of the older M77's and I own more than my share(if you listen to my wife). Yes Ruger did get in a batch of questionable barrels from their supplier but they recalled them. It was a one time thing. If you run across one notify Ruger and after confirming the barrel is one of the ones recalled they will replace it at no cost. Lawdog

De41mag · « **Reply #25 on:** June 25, 2005, 10:52:44 AM »

Back three years ago my father bought a Mod 77 MKII in 7mm-08 and it's the stainless compact w/ the 16-1/2 inch barrel. We spent over $100.00 on factory ammo. None would group worth a hoot. Tried the Rem 140gr. Accu-Tip and it would not stay on a regular sheet of paper. So since I reloaded for my Rem Mod. 7FS I thought I'd give this rifle a try. Well the first Handload using a 120gr. Sierra and IMR-4064 put five shots in an inch at 100yds. That's the load that is used in it now. And the trigger is much better than my Remington.
My father passed away this March so I have the gun now, topped it off with a Leupold 4X33 fixed power. It is one beautiful shooting rifle. He must have got a good one, cause I really like it.

Dennis

poncaguy · « **Reply #26 on:** June 25, 2005, 03:51:44 PM »

My old tang saftey Ruger 22-250 has always shot better than MOA. My new 260 looks like it will too.......... :-)

Atomic Chicken · « **Reply #27 on:** July 05, 2005, 07:11:16 PM »

Greetings!

I own a M77 MKII All Weather Stainless/Synthetic in .243 Win.

It shot sub-MOA groups out of the box with ZERO modifications... and only got better from there. It likes Federal Vital-Shok 85gr. factory ammunition best, I've shot several 1/2" groups with this ammunition... many of them before any trigger work or other modifications.

Fit and finish are exceptional, this is one RUGGED and truly tough rifle. I've never had a problem mechanically, never a misfire or a misfeed... no jams or other problems... in short it just works great and keeps on working! It won't win any beauty contests, but as a functional tool it is unsurpassed and has a sort of pleasingly utilitarian aesthetic about it because of that. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder in this case!

Would I buy another one? Without hesitation. Accurate, reliable, functional - isn't that what all rifles should be?

Best wishes,
Bawko

dbo · « **Reply #28 on:** July 07, 2005, 04:21:38 PM »

Quote from: Sigma

Hi Guys,

Just stopped by a place that had a Ruger M77 in Walnut in 6.5x55.

Do not have any Ruger rifles yet, but like the caliber. From what I've read, the trigger needs some work. How about otherwise? Anyone have experience with these rifles?

Regards

I had a Ruger M77 Laminate in .338 and it was gorgeous. Problem was, like most here, I could literally pick up the gun by the trigger without it going off. That is downright horrible, especially at the range.

I ended up selling it for a Savage and I never looked back. The Savage will out-shoot that Ruger every day of the week.