Have read mixed reviews on subject rifle and while handling one seemed to be well balanced, quick to shoulder and good fit and finish. Like the looks of the full stock, but pretty is as pretty does and curious how others have found the rile to perform in the accuracy department. Three shot groups would be the norm for the rifle and wondered if the heat from the smallish barrel starts "wondering" after three shots?? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

Martin,
I've had one of these for years, killed a few deer with it too.
It's not a precision rifle by any stretch of the imagination, @2" groups at 100yds from the bench using a 1-4x Leupold scope. I did find one load with the now discontinued Sierra 135gr .308 bullet that was intended for single shot pistols and H322 powder which were pretty consistently @1" and the Sierra tech I talked to said that bullet would be fine from a short barreled carbine.

I just figure my wobble factor from field positions is greater than 2" and don't hunt powerline right of ways with the little fellow. Given that normal WV hunting ranges are from 5 to 75 yards it does just fine at making venison.

I've always wanted to get one of those little internationals... I think they are just sweet little rifles..

Just never had because of the price, or I have missed one of those special short run items Ruger comes out once in a blue moon...

like seeing them in 250 Savage, 257 Roberts, or 7 x 57...

as far as accuracy.. I look at them like I would a 30/30.. In fact, I'd love one in a 30/30.... but since I am probably the only guy on the planet who would buy one in 30/30.. one can always down load a 308 or 30/06 to 30/30 specs...

a 308 with an MV of 2400 fps, would be excellent for walking up and down WVA hillsides with hunting....

quote:

Originally posted by dsiteman:
Have read mixed reviews on subject rifle and while handling one seemed to be well balanced, quick to shoulder and good fit and finish. Like the looks of the full stock, but pretty is as pretty does and curious how others have found the rile to perform in the accuracy department. Three shot groups would be the norm for the rifle and wondered if the heat from the smallish barrel starts "wondering" after three shots?? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

I don't have a Ruger but I have the Mannlicher carbine from Remington's Custom Shop in 7mm-08 and the accuracy on that is every bit as good as my Savage carbine in the same calibre. I know three people that do have the Ruger and all three of them say they get the best results from 165 gr. bullets.

Thanks for the feedback and believe I will go ahead and buy one if for the only reason the sleekness and handling of the rifle. I can live with "minute of deer" accuracy.

The 77 RSI models use the same barrel profile as the 77 Ultralight. They heat up very fast. Groups open up considerably if you try more than 2-3 shots without a cooling period.

The Remington 7MS has a bit metter accuracy, as it uses a slightly heavier barrel. It is also bedded just ahead of the recoil lug.

I do indeed like the Rem.7MS, but the price difference led me to the Ruger RSI. I doubt that I would ever have to fire more than three times at a deer jumped in the WV mtns. or hollows so it should serve it's purpose. Some of our "cover" is really thick and often defer the shot for can't see more than 10-15 yards and then the doe or buck has kicked on the afterburners and out of sight. Some still shoot anyway, but you can't call the shot back and you never know just what might be on the other side of that bunch of bushes/trees.

I have a Ruger 77RSI in 243 that'll consistantly keep 100 grain Sierras well under an inch at 100 yards. With lighter bullets, the groups opens up to a couple of inches.

It's a nice handling and nice looking rifle.

Joe A.

Dsiteman. I have a bit of experience with the Ruger 77 RSI in .308 Win. In fact, I have three of them chambered to the .308. As has been mentioned, accuracy is not of bench rest quality, but they can be made to shoot fairly decently.
First a bit of background. All of the people selling the ones I bought stated they were not accurate. I figured one of two things. Either the wrong ammo or the muzzle blast from the short barrel contributed to flinching, and maybe a combonation of the two. Quien sabe?
After find out what loads they used, and trying a couple of handloads, I found that at least in my three rifles, they absolutely hate 180 gr. Spitzers. I did get some decent groups with 180 gr. Sierra round nose bullet which probably would make a decent woods load. The 180 gr. spitzers, depending on brand would do maybe 3.5 to 4.0" groups. The 180 gr. Sierra would hold close to an inch part of the time and 1.25 the rest, probably due to barrel heat. The 150 gr. Sierra Pro-Hunter and Game-Kings were good for 2.0 to 2.5" in my three guns. Finally, I tried the 165 gr. Speer Hot-Core with 49.0 gr. of W-760. groups averaged 1.25" fairly consistantly and velocity, while not a gee whiz barn burner was 2550 FPS from the 18.5" barrel. All the deer I have shot with that load at distances ranging from about 35 feet to 250 yards, that last laser measured have been one shot kills with no deer moving more than about 30 or 40 feet. Meat damage in all cases was minimal probably more due to shot placement than anything else. Only one bullet was ever recovered, that one at the 250 yard deer that was facing me. The bullet went almost the full length of the animal and stopped against a back leg bone, breaking it. It looked like the ads in the gun rags.
I've made on very slight change on my rifles, but have only tested one to see if it will make much difference. The metal muzzle cap puts a lot of pressure on that thin barrel that I think changes as the barrel heats up. I removed just enough metal from the cap to insure than it doesn't touch the barrel at all. Not enough to where it shows though, as it does not take much. It did not make much change on the rifle tested but the average went from 1.25" to 1.10" so there is some improvement.
Speer used to make that Nitrex ammo with the original two core Grand Slam bullets. I got a couple of boxes that had the 165 gr. bullets and they shot to the same point of impact as my handload and velocity over the chronograph was 2550 FPS, exactly the same as my handload.
So now the question is, will I take it or one of my other rifles on this year's deer hunt? it depends on the area I draw. So far, Arizona is keeping it's big fat mouth shut on who drew tags and who didn't. First choice and the Ruger goes with me. Second choice and it'll probably have to be the .270 as ranges are fairly long at times. I'd rather carry the Ruger as that .270 will break my 70 year old arches down.
I dunno if all that palaver helped any, but I'd be all over that RSI like stink on poop if I already din't have mine.
Paul B.

Hello Paul B.,
Really appreciate the in depth discussion on your 77 RSI's and I did just what you suggested, jumped on it!! Have not shot it yet, but the overall balance and apparent handling qualities I really like. Believe it will serve me very well for the shots here on deer for example are usually under 100 yards. Conditions lend themselves to what many would call snap shooting providing the background is safe to do that.
Fit and finish are very nice for factory rifle and trigger breaks a fairly clean 2.5 lbs. which was a surprize to me for a Ruger 77. I have one of those NECG Ruger peep sights used on my Ruger RSM 375HH/458Lott and it appears to me it will work just dandy on the RSI and in dark woods with short ranges should be just the ticket. I am going to replace the front sight blade with one of either white bead or Sourdough brass blade type and should pick either up quickly. I am used to shooting peep sights due to many years of match shooting/civlian and military so look forward to "wringing it out..." this summer and bring down some deer this fall. I belong to a club and we are going to legally thin out the does and will have plenty of opportunities to either hit or miss!! As for loads have some ideas on that having shot 308 for well over 40 years now and can tell you that the Sierra 168 HPBT MK with just a bit of lead showing(filed down a bit) defintely works on deer. The meat damage is not as bad as some would have you to believe providing you are not driving the load to max velocity. Again, thanks very much for you feedback and good luck hunting.

dsiteman,
I've bought one as a future 'kids' rifle and am yet to try it myself. One thing to consider is if that Mannlicher stock and nose cap is found to be detrimental to accuracy, then drop it into a Ruger factory synthetic stock and you've still got a very handy little rifle with open sights. Put the Mannlicher stock away for a rainy day or if you ever wish to sell the rifle.
Cheers...
Con

Hello Con,
That is a very good idea and thanks for the info. Been "down under" few times, mining activities, and always wondered what caliber/rifle you folks used for the hunting of Kangaroos?? Know there are skads of them and assume you do hunt them. Was told one time that the native folks ate the tail and supposedly they were good to eat???? Again, thanks for the suggestion and will definitely check into that deal. Take care

A very nice caliber for the RSI would be the Scandinavian 9x57 or 9.3x57 mm rounds.

I had a M77 RSI once in a .270WIN. It was one of the worst rifles I've ever owned. 3" To 4" 3 shot groups at 100 yards were the norm. It was ear piercing loud and had enough muzzle blast to set the woods on fire. But, it was so pretty. It was kind of like being in a bad relationship I hated it but had a hard time letting it go. I eventually did and wouldn't own another.

Terry

I have not had your first detailed experience you mentioned, but have the second one!! I certainly hope my experience with the Ruger is not as bad as the "relationship," but no matter how bad it may be, no way will it cost me as much money as the other one!! I could have made several trips to wherever to hunt with those funds. Live and learn I guess, but have yet to shoot the rifle, but will post results, findings, evaluation in the near future.

I have had a couple of them, one in .308 and another in 250-3000, wish I had kept them both. They both shot very well, one inch 3 shot groups for the 308. and the 250 shot a little better...I think the short barrels make for better accuracy in rifles as a rule they are a lot stiffer...

Their balance and feel is outstanding, and I can't think of a better whitetail deer rifle, and wouldn't be too shabby for elk.

Hello Ray,
Mine is 308 for I have used it or so many years and it seems to work well for me and I have several lifetimes of quality brass, bullets of all sorts, reloading gear set up to crank a bucket full if needed, so look forward to getting the rifle to the range soon. Not sure why Ruger went with the 10 twist, but perhaps due to the short barrel?? Most 308's are 12 twist from my experience. I was already to order a steel bottom kit for the rifle and find that the one on the rifle is steel. Maybe all of the 77's these days come with steel bottoms?

Your favorable comments about the 77RSI is with about 70% of the comments heard here and other locations, so certainly not discouraged without even firing the rifle. Bolt is stiff and has a couple rub spots, but believe the lock up/lugs is very tight for having worked the bolt several times, backside of the lugs display near 100% contact for both which is a good thing. I will send of the bottom metal, rings, bolt shroud and replacement steel grip cap and have Mr. Doug Turnbull do his magic and perhaps add a little class to it. I went out and bought me a VXIII 2.5X8 scope for the rilfe and am searching for a wood carver to put me a deer on the side of the stock. You do things like that when you reach the age that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel and you know damn well it definitely is the train. I'll drop you a PM for may want to go kill myself a Buff in Nebraska one of these days if you are still arranging those hunts.

quote:

Originally posted by DUK:
A very nice caliber for the RSI would be the Scandinavian 9x57 or 9.3x57 mm rounds.

As would the .358 Win. IMHO. I once talked to a Ruger Rep at one of the NRA conventions and asked outright if the RSI could be made in .358 Win. "NO FUCKING WAY!" Those were his exact words. Iwrote Ruger compaining about his attitude and again asked about one in .358 Win. They tell me the stock won't hold uo to the .358" recoil. Guess I was just as impolite as the rep, cuz I said, BULLSHIT!" The recoild would not be any worse than one using a hot loaded 30-06 so where's the problem? Well, I do have three RSI's and one has a slightly thicker and heavier stock so maybe I'll just make me a .358 Win. RSI.
Paul B.

Dsiteman. Winchester chose the 1 in 12" twist for the .308, but Remington and Ruger went with the 1 in 10" twist. Don't ask me why, but they work either way.
Two if my RSI's have Simmons Whitetail Expedition 1.5x6X scopes on them and the last has a Leupold Compact 4X. So far, the Simmons have held up reasonably well but that scope set at 1.5X is a lot faster than any receiver or open sight that I have ever used. Keep both eyes open and it's almost like looking through a picture window.
Arizona still has not said who's drawn tags for this year's hunt dammit. Good thing most of my rifles are set up for hunting anyway, but it's good to sit down and use the one/ones you want to use.
I think you're gonna like that RSI a lot.
Paul B.

About a dozen years ago I asked Ruger about an RSI in .358 Winchester. They told me that they wouldn't make an ultralight barrel in .358, and that a standard barrel has the shoulder too far forward. Inletting the toothpick stock for it would cause it too splinter.

quote:

Originally posted by Paul B:
Well, I do have three RSI's and one has a slightly thicker and heavier stock so maybe I'll just make me a .358 Win. RSI.
Paul B.

PaulB,
Sounds like a great idea and one I'd back 100%. But if you determine that the 358cal barrel would be too light if fitted in the Mannlicher stock ... hell ... that's what they invented the 338Federal for right?? Now that's one cartridge I'd love to see in the Mannlicher stock!!

Hmmm ... 'spose the kids wont need the rifle for another 10 years!!
Cheers...
Con

quote:

Originally posted by KurtC:
About a dozen years ago I asked Ruger about an RSI in .358 Winchester. They told me that they wouldn't make an ultralight barrel in .358, and that a standard barrel has the shoulder too far forward. Inletting the toothpick stock for it would cause it too splinter.

That doesn't make sense. The shoulder for a .308 and .358 would be the same. The .358 is just the .308 necked up to take a .35 caliber bullet. The barrel forward of the shoulder would have to be a bit thicker, but why not just make the forearm of the stock slightly thicker to accomodate the difference. That wouldn't do a whole lot in affecting the weight of the rifle and possibly might make balance slighter better, if it could be made better. Most Ruger 77 stocks feel like clubs anyway. There used to be a guy back east somewhere that would take a Ruger 77 stock and slim it down to where it should be, and rechecker the gun in the same pattern as Ruger used. I believe he also properly sealed the wood on the inside, something Ruger refuses to do. Just ask me how I know on that one.
My thought is Ruger just doesn't feel there would be enough people interested to even do a special run. Pity!
Paul B.

PaulB,
Nearly 20 years ago, Australia's gun-guru Nick Harvey wrote an article about improving the M77's stock to be less club-like. Took it to a custom stockmaker who slimmed it down, rounded it across the bottom and re-chequered. Damn it ... it looks just like the Hawkeye. Some good ideas take a long time to reach fruition.
Cheers...
Con

Yep, the 77RSI is one smart looking and great handling rifle, but that is where my love affair with mine in 308Win ended. I found it brand new on the shelf and it was love at first sight but looks won't make it shoot. I tried different factory ammo and bullet/powder combinations until I finally had enough and traded her for a used M77 30/06 Standard model. That bitch couldn't hardly keep three shots inside six inches at 50 yds! The only way I would consider buying another RSI would be if I could shot it first before any money changed hands. Fellas, beauty is only skin deep.

Doggone Lucky, or should I say unlucky? Ruger has a guarantee of 2" at 100 yards. You should have contacted them and sent the gun back. They'd have fixed it for free. I know when I got mine, every one of them would not shoot worth a damn with 180 gr. Spitzer bullets. In fact, I got into every one of mine on the cheap because everybody that was selling them wanted to shoot 180 gr. Spitzers. It took a while to fine a rcipe that would work in all three rifles, but I did it and I'm kepping them.
Paul B.

I agree with Paul B on the factory approach to solve your problem. I will in the next week or so take mine to the range, next Thursday matter of fact, and report on the results. I will measure the throat, headspace, etc. and crank out some match level loads in 308 to see if the potential is there and also use some mundane hunting loads as well and see what the results are with both loads. Powder of choice will be Reloader 15 and Sierra MK's and Sierra Game bullets. Looking forward to the experience.

Ruger did make some 77 RSIs in 358, but rumor has it that they weren't supposed to leave Pine Tree Castings. They were supposed to have been restocked into the 77 RLS configuration, but a few of them seem to have slipped out of the factory in the 77 RSI configuration, complete with properly stamped boxes.

Jeff