Now, I have been thinking (a dangerous habit I know) about a stainless CRF M98 action for a 9.3 x 62 build. As far as I know the only one available is the Ruger M77 MK2. Some knowledgeable souls on here may be able to tell me otherwise or that the M77 MK2 is not CRF or heaven knows what else.

Secondly, have any of you used the M77 MK2 for a build and how did you find it?

Thirdly, the reason that the stainless actions are so attractive is due to our damp climate and the desire to build a 'weather proof' rifle if there is such a thing. I know that stainless corrodes too if not looked after, it just doesn't get the attractive orange fuzz quite so easily

Thanks to all in advance.

G

Ruger Mod. 77 MKII's are CRF and no reason at all why it would not work for your intended rifle.

Very good choice and I would do it, no question.

I live in British Columbia, which is far wetter than the UK and I am having one specific Classic sts. Mod. 70 in .338WM built for my "beater" rifle in the often horrible weather we hunt in here.

I would have gone with a Ruger MKII, had I found one to customize before I found this Mod. 70 and I think your idea is very sound.

You can order an action, a pure 98, from empire rifles. Stainless, right or left.

The mrc long action is not very different than the model 70.

The ruger, which i've built several rifles on, is generally squarem straight, easy to stock.

Dual square bridge, CRT, with return to zero, easy detach scope rings.

I used the ruger action to build a stainless syt stocked 416Taylor worked out great.

Thanks for all the replies chaps. It looks like the Ruger would be a good option. Just in the process of reading Kevin Robertsons latest book 'Africa's Most Dangerous' in which he states that the Rugers '...only fault seems to be that the MK II action sometimes fails to eject a spent cartridge when the bolt is cycled quickly'.

Have any of you experienced this with your MKIIs and if so what was the fix?

Regards

G

So will a Mauser. It's designed that way to prevent you from closing the bolt on a empty chamber. A proper bolt stop/ ejector on a mauser action will ensure that the bolt was withdrawn far enough to not only eject the cartridge but to pick up a fresh round too.

If you short stroke a Rem 700 you have a chance to eject the spent case but not pick up a fresh cartridge from the magazine.

All bolt rifles should either be cycled very deliberately or with enough authority to ensure proper function

This is my usta be Satterlie SS mauser. You might check with Stu.


Butch

I had a SS synthetic featherweight M70 308, wish I had it back, a true intermediate action, not a standard length with a magazine block or short ejection port.

quote:

Originally posted by butchlambert:
This is my usta be Satterlie SS mauser. You might check with Stu.


Butch

USTA BE? Boy, I would almost get sick if I had to sell something like that. Beautiful action!

quote:

Originally posted by fla3006:
I had a SS synthetic featherweight M70 308, wish I had it back, a true intermediate action, not a standard length with a magazine block or short ejection port.

Fla3006

The Classic Compact made in New Haven is the same intermediate action. I have one (blued) in .308 and would not sell it. I agree with you, they are nice!!

Yeah. I ordered one of the first Montana stainless "intermendiate" actions only to find out they weren't really intermediate. Prefer the M70. The Mexican Mauser makes the niftiest classic Mauser 308, IMO. Yugos are nice too, true intermediate length, but heavier large ring.

Kevin,
I didn't have to sell it. One of Duane Wiebe"s clients owns it now. I'm not a SS type of person.
Butch

The Satterlee looks lovely. However, I don't think I have enough folding beer tokens to join that particular club at present. The Ruger seems to be a 'working mans' tool.

Has anyone any experience of using a laminate stock for Africa? I don't suppose that there would be much of a problem with one but have no direct experience. I can pick up a Richards etc for basic money for the 77mk2 and put some time into it myself with some reshaping etc.

How do you fellas see that working out?

Regards

G

Suggestion only, but if you are striving for a "down to business, no frills, hunting rifle...," I would check into the varous synthetic stocks, Bell and Carlson w/ alum. bedding block, or similar offerings. Not one ounce of class, no frills, but with the fine Ruger SS action, quality barrel, you would definitely have a working sporting arm.