A friend wants to buy a 770 in 300 Win mag for shooting Kudu and Eland, any one have experience with the rifle, accuracy, how good is the action any possitive or negitive will be appriciated

Thanks


Flip

Its predecessor, the Remington Model 710, was a disaster. I'm sure improvements have been made to attempt to regain some of the low-end market, but the Rem 770 is still an "entry level" rifle. That said, I understand that guns can be scarce and expensive in Africa and that buying a better rifle may be both excessively expensive and perhaps even unavailable. I would expect the 770 to shoot every time the trigger is pulled, and to exhibit at least passable accuracy.

If he can find one in Namibia tell you friend to buy a Marlin XL7. Much better gun for about the same $$. The blue/black stock one goes for about $300 in the US. A Savage would also be a good choice.

A Stevens 200 would be a much better choice than a 770, same price range. However I dont know who stocks Savage in Southern Africa (Stevens is a brand of Savage, the model 200 is the old Savage 110 action).

Prety much all the package rifles have atrocious scopes and mounts that are at best useful for a backup or plinker. So he would probably want to put a new scope and mounts on anyway.

If I was him in Namibia I would look for a second hand Musgrave , Parker Hale, CZ, Zastava or anything similar, all of which are twice the rifle of a 770, XL-7 or Mossberg. The new ultra cheap rifles are very poorly made. If you read reviews they all seem accurate but many give problems like bolt handles sliding -off, platic parts breaking etc. The only one that seems to have any longevity in quality is the Stevens 200. I shot one and its a tack driver, although the stock is not great. Also the Stevens is 6.5 lbs, so quite a beast in .300WM

My first choice on the low end would also be the Marlin XL7. It is a functional and well preforming gun for the money. I think you will find that the Remington 770 product is not much different than the 710 which had some recalls due to quality problems.

I, too, cast a vote for the Marlin XL7. Helluva rifle - helluva deal.

If your friend can afford to go to Africa, he can afford a decent rifle. The caliber is fine but the 770 is a POS. Get a model 700 or a Ruger or new Winchester. Sell the 770 for $300 and buy a good rifle for $800. Good grief, why would you take this risk with a rifle that you will be depending on?

If cannot do that, rent a rifle there. It will likely be better than a 770.

thanks for all the advice
unfortunaly most of the other rifles mentioned is not available what do you guys think about Ruger rifles

Dogcat he lives in Namibia he just wants a 300 for hunting

As to what I think of Ruger Rifles, I like them and believe they are good value for the dollars spent. Controlled round feed, positive Mauser type ejection of spent cases, 3 position safety, "bullet proof" scope mtng. system and includes rings w/ the rifle, durable and more than acceptable hunting rifle accuracy. They are what I would call a "working man's rifle" and yet have features of more expensive rifles. Don't know of another mfg. who offers more for the money in today's market. JMO

martin

quote:

Originally posted by MFD:
As to what I think of Ruger Rifles, I like them and believe they are good value for the dollars spent. Controlled round feed, positive Mauser type ejection of spent cases, 3 position safety, "bullet proof" scope mtng. system and includes rings w/ the rifle, durable and more than acceptable hunting rifle accuracy. They are what I would call a "working man's rifle" and yet have features of more expensive rifles. Don't know of another mfg. who offers more for the money in today's market. JMO

martin

Yep, Rugers are great, or just a Rem 700 sps, or a savage....

all better than the 770

Thats what I hunt with; have a 30-06, 300wm, 338wm and 458wm in the tang safety 77.