I like 'em. I've had my share of problems with them over the years, but as of now, I've had the best luck lately with them. Remington hasn't been good to me for a while, so I bought a Ruger UL .308, and it turned out to be a fantastic shooter. On the heels of that success I bought a .243 standard Ruger. It easily shoots under a half inch, without any work on it except the addition of a Timney trigger, and it's not even a heavy barrel. My last purchase was an old tang model 30/06, and it shoots better than any factory (and some custom) rifles I've ever owned. So, I've been lucky, so far. I'm thinking about getting a 260 Rem in a 77 standard, since I've had such good luck. I think with a Timney trigger, they are the best factory rifle available.
Lighten up the trigger on one and take it hunting. I think I could hunt the rest of my life and use nothing else. The two best buys in the rifle world are the M77 MKII and the CZ550. Some will outshoot them, but as a hunting rifle, the difference between a 1.25" rifle and a .75 MOA rifle is of no consequence. I'd much rather have one that feeds well and stays sighted in. Both of these will make great hunting rifles. When hunting in Namibia, my PH was amazed that the Ruger such as my son's 7x57 only cost around $400 in the USA and wanted me to bring him one next time.
Posts: 2788 | Location: gallatin, mo usa | Registered: 10 March 2001
I like the Ruger International, its a great little gun and most of them shoot about an inch or inch and a half..I owned a couple of them...They are neat little guns and go with a 1x4 Leupold real well....I like the .308 caliber...I might trade you out of yours Dave, what do you want?
Posts: 42321 | Location: Twin Falls, Idaho | Registered: 04 June 2000
My first "deer rifle" was, and is, an old M77. I've handled the new ones, and while no one is going to beg you to let them see it, they are good solid hunting rifles.
I believe the Int'l are pretty light compared to the sporter weights. I regret passing on a .270 at a show a few years back.
Posts: 612 | Location: Atlanta, GA USA | Registered: 19 June 2000
I currently have 5 Ruger M77 MKII's and they all shoot 1" or under. In fact I have a couple that groups in the same hole all day long. I also have three of the old Tang safety M77's and love them also. The only bad things I can say about the MKII's is one the Built in Sling rings are a pain (I have removed them and intalled sling studs) and two the triggers really suck (I have replaced them with Timney triggers)Know my MKII's all have a 2.5# Trigger and can have my Harris Bi-pods intalled. They are extrememly strong actions, I know this because I shot a 308 round through a 270 Win rifle. I sent it to Ruger for a complete check up and all they found was excessive copper fouling in the Barrel. I can't say the same for my fruit of the looms but the rifle held together and was not hirt. In fact I think it groups better know. Just one old Ruger fans opinion.
Posts: 223 | Location: Oklahoma | Registered: 11 July 2002
