well, christmas is once more upon us and it's again time for me to inform my lovely wife as to which rifle she will be buying for me this year. i don't need any new rifles but as we all know, need has absolutely nothing to do with it. it's all about the christmas spirit and also the fact that he who dies with the most toys wins. i've been debating with myself about several different rifles but last night a friend pulled out a rifle that he had borrowed fron a friend of his. it is an old tang safety ruger mod 77 RSI(full stock 20" barrel) in 308. i have to say that i really like it. i think i can live with the newer 3 pos safety. so...if anyone has any experience with this little rifle, please tell me what you think of it. accuracy, dependability, etc. in other words, please talk me into buying one.

mick

just this morning i was looking at the ruger website and they showed the RSI in 308 but not in 7x57. maybe the website needs updating. actually i would rather have one in 7x57. so either way it will be good. thanks

i left out a small piece of info. i'm talking about the model 77 RSI, not the no.1 single shot. sorry.

LOL, that explains the basic problem. I have no experience with the 77 other than the standard models. I’ll delete my posts.

sorry about the confusion.....my fault. original post edited

FWIW, Ruger 77 RSIs have 18.5" barrels, not 20" barrels.

The tang safety Ruger 77 RSI were cataloged in 22-250, 243, 250-3000, 270, 308, and 30-06. Ruger also made non-cataloged tang safety 77 RSIs in 7mm-08 and 7x57.

The Ruger 77 RSI MK2s were cataloged in 243, 270, 308, and 30-06. Ruger also made non-catalged 77 RSI MK2s in 257 Roberts with stainless metal.

As far as I know, that is the full spectrum of cataloged and non-cataloged Ruger 77 RSIs.

Also, FWIW, I find the short action Ruger 77 RSIs to be a little butt-heavier than the long action models in 270, 7x57, and 30-06. I've never held a stainless 257 Roberts 77 RSI MK2, so I don't know if they were built on long or short actions.

Jeff

I think the Ruger 77 RSI in .308 cal is one of the nicest rifles on todays market..The .308 is an icon of calibers, you wouldn't believe the stuff I have seen killed with it..and that little manlicher is a joy to behold and use IMO..I have had a couple of them and both shot very well indeed.

DWM Bell, when asked what his idea of the perfect elephant rifle was, surprised everyone by not choosing his famous 7x57. He said the .308 would have been his pick if it had been available at the the time.

Good choice..go get one!

I had one in 250 Savage some years ago. About as good lookin' and sweet handling s anyone could want. Accuracy was "OK". About 1 5/8" 3 shot groups at 100 yards. Kinda wish I had another, they are just too cool.

260remguy...you are of course correct about the 18.5 barrel length. thanks for the correction.

ray...that's interesting about Bwana Bell. i didn't know that. i'm not one to argue with the legendary WDM Bell but niether the 7x57 or the 308 would be my pick for elephant

thanks to all for the replies so far. i have a feeling i'll be ordering one of these rifles in the next day or so.

Let's keep this simple. I have three Ruger M77 tang safety RSIs, all in .308 Win. Nuff said?
If you're looking for sub-MOA groups in the .50-.75" range, forget about it.
I can only speak for my three rifles, but the best accuracy I've have gotten was 1.25" average with 49.0 gr. of W-760 under the 165 gr. Speer Hot-core. velocity was 2550 FPS. FWIW, I ran some Speer 165 gr. Nitrex ammo with the Grand Slam bullet and velocity was right at 2550 FPS average as well. Accuracy was right at 1.25" as well. Every deer shoot with my handload was either bang/flop DRT ir moved no more than about 30 feet. The longest shot was at 250 yards laser measured and the deer dropped on the spot.
I ran that same load through a 22" barreled Winchester M70 and the velocity was 2610 FPS.
What little testing I have done with other weights hasn't been all that good. It seems that all three prefer that 165 gr. load. The 180 gr. loads were not good, nor were the 150 gr. loads tried. I've always been a "find one load that works and quit" sort of guy. This doesn't mean that anyone else would get the same results as I did.
I did try something with one of the rifles, in that i removed the metal nose cap and relieved it at all the points it contacted the barrel. I only fired a couple of groups after that, but the were smaller, running about 1.10" I've been considering trying othe bullet weights once more since the change but have not gotten around to it. Too many projects and too damn little time.
I've only seen one Ruger RSI in 7x57 at a gun show and it looked like it had been dragged behind a horse for about ten miles. It certainly had spent time in a saddle scabbard. I thought the $1,500 asking price was way out of line. I said so and he said, "It's a collector's item." I said, not any more.
Seriously, if you really like the rifle, go for it. JMHO, but the .308 is probably the perfect round for that rifle as would be the 7x57 if they were available. Anyway, one does not need a half minute rifle for most deer or elk hunting.
Paul B.

I have owned 2 Ruger 77 RSIs in 7x57 and still have 1 that is NIB. I don't know how many were made, or who they were made for, but they are pretty nice and I wish that I could find 1 at a price that would make it affordable to shoot.

Jeff

260

so i guess it's safe to say you probably don't want to sell it?

i tried to get a 77 RSI in 308 ordered today and it seems that there are none to be had. my usual guy said he could absolutely not get any and already had another guy waiting on one. i tried two other shops and they are suppose to find out something by monday. right now it looks like it's only available in 243 or 270. i'm now seriously considering a 77 RSI in 243 or a no.1 RSI in 7x57.

again, thanks to everyone for the input

Gunbroker has an RSI International 7x57 in a No.1, neat looking rifle.
I checked several sources for a 308 in a M77 full stock and saw nothing, but I did see a M77 30/06 in the RSI version! Now that will beat the pants off that ol' .308 any day!

snellstrom

yes, that no. 1 in 7x57 is a very cool rifle...and very tempting at this point. as far as an RSI of either flavor in 30-06(or 270)...well, i'm trying to buy a rifle, not a flamethrower!!

I bought a 77RSI Mark II chambered in 308Win about 5 or 6 years ago brand new in the box. It was love at first sight and what a sight to behold, beautiful. But alas, the love affair ended in a most miserable way. The lousy bitch couldn't hit a bull in the arse, with factory fodder or any combination handloads I could dream up. That no shootin pageant queen could barely keep four shots inside a 6" circle at 50yds. If you can't stand not owning one don't say nobody warned you. That piece of eye candy will break your heart.

If you like the full length stock you might take a look at the Remington Model 7MS. It is a short action laminated stock sweetheart, available in 260, 7-08, 308 and others...

I have one in .308. Seems shorter and handier than its dimensions. Never tested it prperly for accuracy. I put an NEG peep sight on it for handiness. Hits the 100 yard gong every time!

I have owned tang safety M77 RSI in 243, and they are great little guns. Mine was super accurate in a very compact package.

I have one. Check your PM. NIB, with scope. Maybe we could meet somewhere if you are close by. Believe it is a VXll, 2-7x33, Leupold. RSI is the MKll and I would like to get a MKl since I have 22-250,7-08 and 250 to keep it company . Have a 257 Robts, SS RSI also.

I've had an RSI in 7 x 57 for many years, but it's a No. 1. I love it. It is short, beautifully balanced, points like a shotgun, and is quite accurate. When new, I dismantled it and stoned and polished its innards. The difference in smoothness of operation was substantial.

My 77 RSI 308 has a NEGC peep and a 1" leather strap. other than that she looks like she did when she was shipped from ruger.

If you have the eyes for iron you cant beat the speed of this setup.

cowboy... PM received and replied to

everyone else...thanks for the input

I haven't worked up a load for my 257 Rob, 77 RSI yet but it's one of my favotites. I did a quick sight in for inch high at 100yds and went from there. I'll get a better load worked up soon. One of the nicest Manllichers I own. (and I own 3 other Sako's). Just something about the stainless and walnut that makes the rifle, striking. Handles like a dream. They are still available if you shop around but you won't steal them. They were a special run for Lipsey's.

Are the stainless RSI's still available and from whom?

Thanks,

Bill

Here's the one I bought but I believe they have increased in price a bit. Hit Lipsey's, Auction Arms, Guns America and last Gun Broker. They are out there. Give this guy a shout, he might have more. Good luck. The search is worth it.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976783222.htm

|I have one in 308, bought about 6 years ago; with a 1-4x scope, its my favorite short range deer gun. its short enough to fit easily in a blind; only a couple of inches longer than my .44mag carbine, also in ruger.
|My only two complaints are the wood finish, which is a little tacky; and |(this is a problem I have with |Ruger rifles in general|) the somewhat thick and blocky stocks, plus the non-adjustable trigger.

I have a Ruger 77RSI in 243 and is equiped with a 1.5x4.5 scope. With a Sierra 100gr gameking in front of IMR4064, it has no problem staying well under an inch at 100yds and normaly around .75in. So far, it has remained very consistant in point of inpact.

An 77RSI in 308 would be a great deer rifle in my opinion.

Joe A.

Too bad Ruger doesn't promote this line more, instead of that Dumbass Frontier Model..

imagine RSIs, especially the stainless action and barrels in a 338 Fed, 358 Win, 260 Rem, 7/08 Rem, 250 Savage... even 22.250..

then the long action version in 7 x 57, 6.5 x 55, 280, 338/06, and 35 Whelen...



And with a price tag of $499.00 while we are all dreaming and stuff....

quote:

Originally posted by seafire2:
Too bad Ruger doesn't promote this line more, instead of that Dumbass Frontier Model..

imagine RSIs, especially the stainless action and barrels in a 338 Fed, 358 Win, 260 Rem, 7/08 Rem, 250 Savage... even 22.250..

then the long action version in 7 x 57, 6.5 x 55, 280, 338/06, and 35 Whelen...



And with a price tag of $499.00 while we are all dreaming and stuff....

to me mannlicher stocks always look more elegand w/ 20" BBl's.
the 77 RSI should be a 20" and the #1 RSI should be either 22 or 24" depending on caliber.
the #1 RSI look like a cypress knee. way too stubby. strech it out and it would be very elegant, indeed.
you choose

K,

With you, could take a 65x55 and 338/06, or the short actioned in 260/708 and 338 federal or 358 win.

A 22" RSI #1 would be FINE, definitely not overly long as we know, the 20" is SO short now, velocity loss and blast may be a concern, but you have to admit they handle sweet. Must be VERY close to the Frontier 77 size in a #1.

The 77RSI would be MUCH better also with more tube. I like 20-23" bbls depending on chambering and action type.

If Ruger really wanted to do the 77 RSI right, they'd go to the 20" barrel and copy the Husqvarna mannlicher style stocks, particularly the slender forearms.

Jeff

Another alternative would be a CZ550FS. They have 20.5" barrels. I have on in 6.5x55 and with my handloads, it's sub-MOA. They also can be had in .243, .308, .270, 30-06, and 9.3x62. The .243 and .308 use detachable magazines.

BTW, KSTEPHENS, nice Mannlicher, I'm envious!

260Remguy, Ruger would not do that, it might help stockholders! Blackhawk, thanks for the enlightenment.

quote:

Too bad Ruger doesn't promote this line more, instead of that Dumbass Frontier Model..

imagine RSIs, especially the stainless action and barrels in a 338 Fed, 358 Win, 260 Rem, 7/08 Rem, 250 Savage... even 22.250..

then the long action version in 7 x 57, 6.5 x 55, 280, 338/06, and 35 Whelen...

Ain't that the truth? I don't rightly remember the year, but it was inabout 1981 or 2 when the NRA had their convention in Phoenix, I asked the Ruger rep if and when they might bring out the RSI in .358 Win.? He literally yelled, "No f-----g way!" From his reaction, you'd have thought I was asking permission do his mother in the rear end. I later asked elsewhere and was told they did not think the stock would hold up to the recoil. sez I. I have three of those rifles in .308. Two have stocks with nice grain and are as slim as a straw and handle like a feather. The third one is heavier, has very dull plain would and the dimensions of the stock at the grip and forearm are thicker by a noticable margin. I'm thinking that one could be rebarreled to .358 and it would never be a problem. Do the rebarrel and put on a decent pad and it would be a great rifle, IMHO.

Ruger actually did make some tang safety 77 RSIs in 358, but "the word" around Pine Tree Castings is that they were all restocked and sold in the 77 RLS configuration. I know this because when I live near the Ruger plant in Newport (actually Guild), NH, I saw and held a NIB 77 RSI in 358 that had somehow "escaped" being restocked.

Jeff

Of all of the mannlicher stocked factory built rifles that I've owned, the best handling is the Husqvarna and the worst are the CZ 550 FS, Mossberg 800 MA/MB/MC, and the Winchester 70 Mannlichers.

I find the CZ 550 FS stocks to be too heavy and chubby, the Mossberg 800 M stocks to have a forearm shaped like a 2"x4" stud, and the Winchester 70s are very unbalanced toward the rear. If you've snapped a Husqvarna mannlicher stocked rifle to your shoulder, you know what superior is and you'll have to look hard for an equal and harder still for a more superior, which I have yet to encounter.

Jeff

Last year I ordered parts (sights) for an older M77, which Ruger gladly sent me, and upon arrival I discovered that the new parts wouldn't fit. A second call to Ruger answered all questions when I was informed in no uncertain fashion that "we no longer make parts for our older guns." I then inquired about returning said parts and was informed that it would cost me a 20% restocking fee. There was no argument on my part and she remained adamant that I would be charged the restocking fee. I never returned those parts, and at that point I told them I would never purchase another Ruger product -and I won't.

I still have three older Ruger guns, and for the most part, they're keepers. I'd like th think they represent the best ol' Bill had to offer, but IMO when he went, so too did the corporate conscience.

For quite awhile I wanted a cz550fs. When I was finally able to compare one next to a Ruger 77RSI the Ruger seemed to win on both handling and aesthetics. It's worth noting, both criteria are subjective.