Picked up my first Ruger 77 MkII in early spring (laminated, stainless, left-hand in .25-06). I'd been waiting to shoot it until I got a scope for it. Rather than wait another month or two till I could afford the optics, I took a Simmons 8-pt scope off my old package Savage and took it out to the range this morning.
After a time consuming barrel break in (I've never been sure if this does any good or not; but, I figure it can't hurt), I made some 3-shot groups with Federal Fusion ammo and some handloads (IMR 4350 behind a Speer 100gr spitzer).
Groups were around 1.25 - 1.5" at 100 yards from the bench. Not great, but not bad either for my first efforts. I plan on putting a Timney trigger on it and getting a better scope. I think that will help. And I've got lots more bullet and powder combos to try.
I like the rifle, but those Ruger recoil pads are hard! Think I'll put a Pachmyr decelerator on it.
It's a good looking gun but it will take a little tweaking. I don't have any regrets about buying it; but, my last couple Savages shot better out of the box.