Ruger M77 Magnum Hunter

[z71rad88]

This would be my first bolt gun, as I'm interested in getting into big game hunting with my friends.

I'm looking at purchasing a new bolt rifle for deer and pig for in state hunting (CA), with a potential to do out if state elk hunting in either Oregon or Utah. This morning I came across the Ruger Magnum Hunter, only avaliable in .300 WM, which is fine by me, it seems it would fit all my needs.

My question is, with the Hogue Overmold stock it comes with effecting the accuracy of the rifle. This would be used for hunting, not trying to shoot flys on a target 300 yards. I tried to do my research on the rifle for reviews, but it seems there really isn't a whole lot out there on the net currently. Anyone own one of these or have any pros and cons to say about it? Thanks for the input.

 

[ksubuck]

No experience with the Magnum Hunter version. Previously owned 2 different Ruger M77s and not real excited about either. They would be okay for what you say you want, a simple hunting rig. I have no idea what price they are asking for one but saw the MSRP at over a grand. I think you could do better looking at a Remington 700 long range or one of the savage bolts for less coin. And if you become an addict like the rest of us, you would be in a better position for modding a Rem or Savage into a true tack driver.

 

[FEENIX]

I have an older Ruger M77 MKII in .338 WM that fairly accurate http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f22/ruger-m77-mkii-facelift-range-report-40952/

I agree with ksubuck. My friend bought a Savage 111 Trophy XP in .300 Win Mag 2 years ago for $549 at our local Big R store. It has the accutrigger and came topped with 3-9x40 Nikon with BDC reticle. This set up should fit your intended purpose.

(5 shot at 100 yards using factory ammo - 180gr Barnes TSX)

Good luck!

Ed

 

[z71rad88]

Thank you for the replies gents.

I was checking out thr Savage last night actually, as well as the Remington Sendero. My question to all of you, how does Savage make their rifles so affordable? Where are they cutting corners or are they not and just willing to sell at a high volume to make up the difference in profit if they were to sell their rifles for another $200-$300 bucks?

 

[roninflag]

you can not go wrong with the sendero. are you looking for a rifle with wood stock/blue metal or stainless/ sythetic ??

 

[MudRunner2005]

I'll stick to my Rem 700's. Salvage is not a brand that will ever be inside my gunsafe, unless I win it, inherit it, or it was a gift. I will not spend my own money on one.

But I am also a die-hard 700 fan (always have been), but have become very biased based on the number of Savages we had to send back to the mfg, back when I sold guns many moons ago.

The two most common items we had to send back was Leupold optics being too fragile, and Savage rifles due to lack of accuracy. You can call me a liar if you want, won't bother me...But I do know what was in the boxes that I packaged back up and sent to the manufacturers, and the unhappy customers I personally talked to and dealt with.

Savage might have stepped their game up since then, but my experiences in dealing with the many unhappy customers left a permanent bad taste in my mouth.

 

[FEENIX]

How did this ended up Remington vs Savage again?

We should be thankful we have choices.

 

[MudRunner2005]

How did this ended up Remington vs Savage again?

We should be thankful we have choices.

Look at post #2, that's where it started.

And yes, we should be thankful we have choices, thank God we have Remington 700 as a choice, or else I'd be counting raindrops for a hobby instead of guns and shooting.

 

[FEENIX]

Look at post #2, that's where it started.

You might want to read it again; it's clearly an unbiased and sound response.

 

[MudRunner2005]

You might want to read it again; it's clearly an unbiased and sound response.

Yes, but that is clearly the first post that mentioned both brands.

 

[FEENIX]

Yes, but that is clearly the first post that mentioned both brands.

Again, he remained "unbiased" to his recommendations.

 

[ksubuck]

Hey now! It was unbiased between Rem and Savage. Besides, I don't prefer either over the other for straight hunting rifles. Besides, most of my rigs are Brownings...

 

[FEENIX]

Hey now! It was unbiased between Rem and Savage. Besides, I don't prefer either over the other for straight hunting rifles. Besides, most of my rigs are Brownings...

Exactly! That even made it better coming from a Browning fan.lightbulb

 

[Creedmoor shooter]

I dont have a problem with ruger. My dads 20 year old M77 MKII 7mm RM with a non free floating barrel and non bedded action shoots well under MOA @ 100 yards. My Ruger M77 Hawkeye Predator 6.5 Creedmoor is a under 1/4 moa gun @ 100 yards. I havent seen a ruger have issues. I must say id have to pick a savage over a remmy just because of bad personal experiences with a few remingtons. Im not really bias to any brand. I own a savage and a ruger and have shot a couple brownings and like them all. Now remmys arent a bad gun. Alot of people have had good luck with them and its still a very popular rifle(just look at the after market world) ive just had bad experiences is all. Whether they were flukes or not i have no idea.