We're looking at buying my wife a LEFT HANDED stainless .270 win. We hope to keep it simple and shoot it as is out of the box, expect to cut the LOP down to fit her. So which would you recommend a Ruger or a Browning?

I rarely recommend any rifle other than Sako, or custom Remmies....but, for out of the box accuracy, you would be hard pressed to find a better "shooting" rifle than a Savage.
I caught myself looking at a 22-250 w/ accu-trigger the other day....they are ugly...but lethal, and for a few bucks can be customized to be a lethal firearm....sakofan..

A browning micro hunter would fit her right out of the box, and they are great shooters. The negative is you are stuck with great rounds like 243, 260, 7-08, and 308. You get a 20 inch barrel and they shoot really well. I know custom gun guys don't like them, but most anyone else would.

I would rather have the Ruger...The Ruger 77 RSI is a neat womens rifle, manlicher stocked short barrel...The .270 handles short barrels better than any caliber I know of...you hardly loose any velocity...

With all due respect to Ray, I'd opt for the Browning. The bulk of my experience so far is limited to my Lefty Stainless Stalker in 300WinMag. It's been a fantastic shooter and all I did was turn the trigger adjustment to the lightest setting. It shoots just about everything well, and some handloads are beyond expectations.

The Micro would be a good choice, too bad no 270 unless you want the WSM version. Unless your wife is very short, the full-size A-bolt could be a good option as well (and then you can decide between Walnut/Blue and S/S). These weigh in at around 7lbs, so if LOP is Ok you'll have a nice little rifle.

That's all from me, I can't help responding to a post about Browning.
GFP

Surprise, I'd go for the Browning. Actually I have a Ruger 77 RSI in 308 that I like a lot. For current guns though it seems hard to beat the Brownings, especially the Micro model for women. I've got a couple of friends with recent Browning bolt actions and all were excellent shooters out of the box. I'm ashamed to say I don't even own a current model Browning bolt. I hunt with a BLR and 2 BAR's, and my bolts are all FN Mauser based except for the Ruger.

I'd go the Browning. I have a left handed stainless in .30-06. It shoots factory ammo into 1/2" to 3/4". The stock trigger adjusted down to 2 1/2 lbs and breaks like glass, with no creep and little overtravel. I like the straight synthetic stock. It handles the recoil nicely, even though its light. The stainless ruger is 3/4 lb heavier, and of course you will have to do some trigger work on it.

Oh no, I'm agreeing with Ray...

I'd take the Ruger. I've just always liked their lines better, and that high gloss finish on the Browning has got to go. Ruger is more affordable, already includes rings, etc, and to me is just a nicer rifle.

I`m going with Browning on this one, that finish is much more ladylike!!! I also like the way they shoot much better than a Ruger. Just Tim in TN`s opinion!!

For the short bolt throw and the way it cycles, I would opt for the browning. The looks of Abolt take's a little getting used to, but most of them are shooters right out of the box. This doesn't sound like the base for a custom anyway.

[ 04-24-2003, 05:58: Message edited by: TC1 ]

For what it's worth, my gf is about to get an abolt ss in .308. My abolt was a great shooter out of the box, with a pretty nice trigger. I can't think of a better value, so I'll buy another.

Take a look at the new Tikka T3 Lite. Got to be one of the best value rifles around with a bolt action so smooth it has no peers except for maybe the Mannlicher Schoehauer (forget Brownings and Rugers!) - not even a Sako 75 is as good!

However I`m not sure if it is available in left handed models.

Thanks everyone.

We just happen to have a friend with a left handed a bolt .270, wood stock, hes going to let us borrow it so she can shoot it this weekend.

Just returned from a hunting trip with my new 270 Browning left handed stainless stalker and have to say that I am very pleased with the rifle.
Two shots two kills on our whitetail deer.
This rifle shot sub MOA out of the box, had it in the bush for 10 days beside the ocean and it took all the abuse that comes with hunting in this type of country.

Regards Milosmate

I have owned both and I like the Ruger. Just bought another left hand Ruger in 25-06.

I own both.

I have a Ruger Stainless in 7mag and a Browning A bolt in 25/06.

I think the action is better on the ruger. It never jams like my browning does sometimes. I also approve of the three position saftey over the slide safety that the Browning has. With the ruger you can load and unload with the safety on. I also like the scope mounts that are part of the rifle on the Ruger. The rings lock right into the rifle and I believe it can take a better beating and still hold it's zero.

Ruger it is.

Go with Ruger...a better product and you dont pay so much for a name. Plus you get your scope mounts with the rifle.

swede

....and rings.

Personal I would opt for the Browning. I have owned Ruger Bolts more than I would want to admit. The Browning seems to be more accurate out of the box for me. Think I would even take a Winchester or Remington over that sloppy action Ruger. Triggers are horrible on Rugers. Everyone I had, sense the late 70's I replaced the Triggers with custom Triggers or smith them. Had to float, bed or recrown most of them to get them to shoot like I though they should. By the way I still own some Rugers now but no bolt actions, all Number 1 varmints in Blue and SS and yes all the triggers have been replaced, stock bedded, Forearm work and Harmonic tuner installed.

My Ruger MKII in 300WM is a 1/2" shooter out of the box. If I would have known they were that nice I would have bought one alot sooner. Love mine. I also like those ugly Savages for shooting ability. They have one called the Model10 Sierra she would like.

The MKII trigger is easy to work on in less than thrity minutes you can have a trigger with 2 pounds or less and no creep. My 25-06 shoots a five shot group at .4 And I just bought another 25-06 left hand taking it to a smith and turn it into a 25-06 Ackley. I don't thank I would buy another Browning.

Avoid the ruger like the plague. You'll be disapointed in the accuracy.

"Avoid the Ruger like the Plague'????? Gee, mine all shoot decent groups.
I agree with Ray on the RSI. My only question though is, does Ruger furnish it in a left hand action?
Paul B.

Humbarger
"Avoid the ruger like the plague. You'll be disapointed in the accuracy"

Both my 7mmmag and my fathers 270 Rugers shoot good out of the box. His 270 actually shoots better than his Sako that has all the bells and whistles.

My A-bolt shoots good also and it's true that the trigger is better but I still can't get past the little things like the bolt jamming rounds and the loose floor plate that rattles. I think the A-bolt is over priced for the quality your getting. The Ruger is the better buy.