I'm looking for one of the best Rugeer M-77 gunsmiths available. I'd appreciate suggestions for a smith who can squeeze every ounce of accuracy that can be had from the rifle using the original components delivered with it. I'd like to obtain accuracy somewhat like my SAKO Vixen had back when I owned it. It was "box stock" with nothing ever altered.

Futile effort. In my opinion. Every possible COA was hashed out on another thread, I think.

Interesting answer. So there are people who care capable of making a 10/22 shoot very accurately. But there is nobody on the planet who has that capability. I guess youve must have been down that road and explored all possibilities I guess that I'll just have to give it up and find something else to waste my time

Quick and easy solution…. Let dpcd rebarrel it

I'm not going to dump $500 plus dollars to end up with the most expensive M-77 in the world. I believe that the right guy can get this one shooting close enough to what I want without burying myself in it. So far I've installed a Timney trigger and had the pull lightened from Timney's lightest adjustable weight. That's it so far. I think that getting the head-space checked and adjusted and having a target crown put on the barrel should get me real close to what I'd like. It shoots pretty darned well as it is right now.
I'd appreciate any constructive input and don't really need any wise-cracks. BTW, mine is an earlier version with the 1:12 barrel twist. I'm not looking to built a competitive bench rest rifle, but I do want one that's really accurate.

I am interested in hearing your suggested plans. I had that same rifle in 30-06 and it was very accurate with several loads. I gave it to my buddy so he would go hunting with me. After probably 6000 rounds fired it is still first shot reliable every time. He is ten years older than me and says he is willing it back to me.

quote:

Originally posted by dwcars:
I'm not going to dump $500 plus dollars to end up with the most expensive M-77 in the world. I believe that the right guy can get this one shooting close enough to what I want without burying myself in it.
I'm pretty sure I know what I want done and the right rifle ssmith may know a few more things that can make it happen.

I have a paddle stocked early M77 with a Timney trigger and no other modifications. When I say older I'm referring to the time when Ruger used the 1:12 twist in the M77 .223 barrels. I love the rifle and just learned that my accuracy problem was partially due to using 55gr bullets, and that I should be using 53gr or 52gr in that slow a twist. Do any of you know a gunsmith who can dial this rifle in to shoot 1/4 to 1/2 MOA~?

You have been told what needs to happen in the other thread.

Because of the iffy barrel quality of the older M77s it is very iffy if one can get it to shoot. Like you want.

Have you priced the per hour labor of a good smith.

Plus the cost of load developments these days.

One could easily wrap up a hundred dollars in components.

Your being unrealistic in your expectations for this particular rifle with its factory barrel.

I have 8 or so M77's in the house I have replaced the triggers on them all. I have glass bedded them all. I have lap the barrels on a couple.

The have all shot a bit better then factory.

Your asking for a miracle on this rifle.

Price wise and accuracy wise.

Good luck.