Need some advice on a new rifle in 7mm-08. I've handled both the Remington Model 7 CDL and the Ruger Model 77 Hawkeye, and both look pretty nice to me. While I don't particularly like the extra-soft, thick recoil pad on the Remington, it does seem to lock down more solidly than the Hawkeye. The Hawkeye had a much better-looking stock; the Model 7's wood was very plain. To me, both triggers seemed comparable, neither one was spectacular but hopefully will smooth out over time.

This will be a hunting rifle for me.

Is this decision just a personal-preference one, or do you recommend one over the other, and if so, why?

Thanks

I like the balance and longer barrel of the Hawkeye. I bought one in 7mm08 a couple of months ago. I am currently working on a load for it right now as it isn't giving me consistent results yet. It will shoot a group of just over an inch and then with the same load, the next group may be over 2 inches. I think I need to glass bed it, just haven't gotten around to it yet. Overall it is a nice rifle. (not as easy to work with as my M70's though)

I had a Rem M-7 CDL in .260 and it was a real fine hunting rifle....looked great and shot well and was short and light.....a great gun IMO!

quote:

This will be a hunting rifle for me.

owned a number of Rems and they were shooters for sure! what really got me concerned is banging the aluminum guards and busting them up. Climbed one mountain one time and busted up a scope on a fall, the rifle was a Winchester- steel and survived rather well. Now if it was a Remington with all the features I have had to replace and at that time the J-Lock, alum. trigger and next the floorplate and guard I would have or could have been with an expensive stick.

I would go Ruger-just seems to be a tougher built gun. have a few of them and the boys are tough on the stocks but the metal is sound indeed. Thank God for Marine-Tex and J-B Weld

just my .02

Never seen a Rem. with an Aluminum trigger.

Love them 700's haven't had much luck with the mod. 7. get the ruger.

I think this is a personal-preference decision. The Model 7 has been in service a lot longer than the Hawkeye. But, yet the Hawkeye is designed around the time tested M77.

After handling the two, the Hawkeye fit me better.

Given my experience with my last M700 (BDL in .243) I would suggest the Ruger. I feel they are built better. The Remington I owned had a rough barrel that copper fouled badly and had a casting void in the bolt handle.

quote:

Never seen a Rem. with an Aluminum trigger.

Should have seen both my 700 BDL Laminates-then you can say you seen one (cast something or rather then) I won't buy another Rem, now another Rem 30 certainly.

I am a 7mm08 fan and Rem 700 fan but not real excited about the model sevens. They are nice and light and easy to carry but not my style. I have friends that like them and they do shoot well and the trigger is easy to adjust.

I just picked up a model 7 xcr. New x-pro trigger is excellent. Camo stock and xcr coated stainless. I am a little surprised, its not my normal style gun, but I really like it! Shoots great. Handles like a pup.

Dan

I like both rifle.
Advantages for the Ruger are all steel in the floor plate and all. 2 inches more barrel Control round feed and 3 position safty.
The remington is lighter , and has an adjustable trigger.
I think I would opt for the ruger especially since the stock is of nicer wood...tj3006

Thanks for the advise, guys. I'm off to the gun shop

You're welcome EMK. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

B

My vote is for the Rem. Have owned both, Rem is clearly better. Sucks that the Ruger has better wood, but I'd have to go for performance over looks. Just my 2 cents.

Though I am luke warm about both of them, I would probably go with the Ruger or reasons mentioned above. Lou

Lou, what's your recommendation if not one of these?

EMK,

I've got a Model 7 in 7mm08 and 308, a Model 788 in 7mm08, a 700 Mountain rifle in 30-06 and a Model 673 Guide Gun in 350 Rem Mag. They are all shooters and they will all hold 1 inch or less 3 shot groups at 100 yards with full house hunting loads with hunting bullets. That being said, I like the 673 the best as it is the heaviest of them all and the easiest to shoot from all positions. I used to think that lightness was a key factor in purchasing a rifle but have come to appreciate the grey heads on this forum that have recommended going for a hunting rifle of approximately 8 to 8 1/2 lbs. I have had nothing but success with the Remingtons and don't understand some of the prejudice against them. P.S. I also have 2 Ruger revolvers and they are hell for stout but I have heard of Ruger rifles that were fairly mediocre in the accuracy department.

EMK,

I got long winded on the previous post. What I ment to say is if it ain't accurate, it ain't shit. Buy the Remington.

Brought home the 700 CDL. Thanks for everyone's input.

EMK,

The Remington M7 or the Remington M700?

I got the 700. Thought very hard about the 7, but found a 700 at a good price and took it.