I hate posts like this, but sometimes they are a neccessary evil. So here goes... I have found a Ruger M77 MkI 458 win for $500.00.
Considering these facts listed below should I buy it, and would you buy it and why or why not.

Things I like about the gun:
1. Price is in my budget
2. 22 inch barrel
3. I like the 458 winnie
4. tang safety - (big plus for me)
5. Integral scope base for NECG peep
6. Nice stock
7. Shorter action than the CZ -- shorter bolt throw

Things I do NOT like about the gun:

1. It is a push feed
2. Minor pitting on the outside of the barrel
3. It is a push feed
4. No integral rib (OK because I will add the peep -- so not that big of a deal.


Opine away, please!!

Thank you all in advance.

David

I will get shot for the this but I would skip that Ruger and look for a cz or second hand 602 or M70 with CRF. Then I would have it rechambered for .458 Lott.

If your not truly EXCITED by this gun then you never will be and you will have regrets.

But exactly what you want and be happy with it even if you have to wait and save more $$.

Go ahead and pick it up. Even it's an older Ruger 77, they seem to shoot pretty decent with better sights. I picked up one through the Gun List some time ago and like you, didn't like the push feed or the lack of rib or the sights that came with it. I put a 1.5X5 scope on it to test it for accuracy, and it put 1 1/2" 5 shot groups average for 20 shots of factory JSP's. The gun is just pretty accurate for the price.

dude, $100 more and you can get a cz from www.gunbroker.com

nuff said

jeffe

475 guy,
thanks for your opinion I have a M77 round top 30-06 and it is one of my favorite rifles. If you do not mind me asking how much did you pay for your Ruger? and what caliber?

PC & Jeffeosso,
First of all, let me say thank you for sharing your opinions. I respect both of your opnions, and I agree with you about buying a CZ. I probably will buy another CZ when the American Lott's come out. I have a CZ in 375 and love it.

But the ruger offers some things that the CZ does not lend itself to very easily. For instance:
1. the 22" barrel
2. Shorter action
3. ease of putting a peep sight on the receiver

So I guess my real question is:
Does $500 sound like a fair price for the Ruger?

Thanks

David

[ 10-25-2003, 07:57: Message edited by: David Thomas ]

458 WinMag and for $450. Considering what new Big Bores cost, I consider it a deal and your price of $500 isn't too bad either. GO AHEAD AND BUY IT.

David,

I have a Ruger push-feed 458 just like you are describing. It is accurate and works reliably. Having said that, I would never consider hunting with it for one reason. The problem in my opinion is that the barrel contour is too heavy which makes it awkward feeling and excessively muzzle heavy. I know that I will get torched for having said that, but I have several other big bores that weigh as much as the Ruger and feel much lighter and more responsive due to better balance.

The early Rugers are relatively well made and cost effective, but be sure to handle it enough to see if you will like the handling qualities. If it feels OK to you, then buy it, be happy, and don't worry about what someone else says .

Jim

PS: If you do get it adding a Uncle Mike's or similar 9 shot cartridge carrier to the butt (with ammo of course ) will improve the balance appreciably.

[ 10-25-2003, 09:49: Message edited by: mbogo375 ]

My wildcat 458 HE is built on one of these.I got it originally 30 years ago, as a 458Win and rechambered to
458HE.Shot it after rechambering a 1000 timesThen I put on a long barrel, and shot it 900 times more..Great rifle,nice sight mounts and
it will work for Lott as it was chambered also for 375H&H back then.Just need longer magazine
work done.As far as balance put 2 lbs
lead in the butt.With wt in butt and heavy barrel,recoil is tamed real good.Best damn regular action for
strength ever built...Ed.

My old 77 tang safety .458 is also the push feed variety circa 1984. I love it, but they must have changed actions somewhere along the line as there is no way in hell you could chamber mine for a .458 Lott, not for any sane price. I looked into having it rechambered to the Lott for quite some time, always the same story, "anything CAN be done, question is, can you aford it?" The action is WAY too short. I free floated my barrel except for 2" in front of the receiver and glass bedded the action along with the recoil transfer plate in the forend. It is a solid MOA shooter with just about any ammo I throw through it from 300 gr. HP to 500 gr. solids and X bullets. Just don't get lead bullets around it as it won't shoot them worth a crap. Long story, but trust me, we tried everything to get that thing to shoot lead. It ain't gonna happen and with the way it shoots jacketed bullets, I am not about to touch the barrel.

Thanks for the responses.
The ruger I am looking at was made in 1983 according to the serial number and it does not look like it could accomodate the Lott, but that is fine with me. All I want at the moment is a short barreled 458 win. This gun looks like it has a 30-06 size action.
I will wait and get a Lott when CZ makes their american version available.

Thanks again for all of the replies. I checked the Blue book value and for a 90% condition rifle the Blue book value is $365, I think a 95% rifle was $400.
I will probably offer $400 and see how that flies.

Another interesting bit of info is that the Blue book said the same gun except chambered in 416 Taylor at the factory by ruger was valued at $3,000-$4,000.00. Don't remeber how many it said ruger made.

David

If you like the gun then buy it, it apparantly fits you...If the barrel is too heavy then cut it off to 20"...Its a good gun and priced about right IMO...It would be a nice gun to ream out to a Lott, then that weight would be nice to have.

If your young, the weight shouldn't be a consideration...I still like heavy guns and long barrels and I'm pretty young at near 70...

I was too late. Went to go purchase the Ruger yesterday. I was going to offer $400, but was willing to pay the asking price of $500 if I had to... BUT the gun had already been sold.

An old saying comes to mind: "you snooze you lose."

I appreciate everyone's opinion here. Thanks.

David

Dave,
the 550 is barely harder to mount a peep sight on than a ruger.. in fact, from NECG, you use the same peepsight, and merely add one small threaded hole in the 550.

as for length... ah, that's generally a 50 dollar job at the smiths.. and it's MUCH easier to shorten one than to streatch it 2 inches...

length of action? I used everything from mossberg 144LS, enflied m17, and 602/550s... and have yet to short stroke one.

jeffe