Ruger M77 Mark II Left Hand

Redneck Bowhunter · 10-07-2007, 09:31 AM

Has anyone shot this rifle? Is it a good choice for a left handed shooter. I would use it for moose hunting and probably get it in .30-06 caliber. Does it have a nice smooth bolt? Does it handle nicely? Does it really give you recoil with that caliber? Give me your opinions.

stalkingbear · 10-07-2007, 01:00 PM

The ruger M77 in any of it's several different variations is a winner. I have a lot of experience with these and I would like to suggest the new hawkeye model.

HEAD0001 · 10-07-2007, 10:03 PM

I do not think the Hawkeye is available in left hand. The Mark II is a good rifle. I like the scope mounting system, but I have seen a few over the year's that were not lined up. But then there are always a few bad apples in every barrel. The rifle handles well, and shoots respectfully(not the most accurate). I dislike the trigger, but aftermarket trigger's are available, and in fairness most out of the boxrifle's need trigger work(IMO). I have heard a few things about the new Remington trigger, but I do not have any first hand experience with one yet. Try the Ruger laminate LH in SS configuration, overall a great hunting companion that would easily last a life time. Your caliber choice of 30-06 is the right choice. Lot's of inexpensive, good ammo out there for practice. Tom.

BONUS-BONUS-IT IS AMERICAN MADE.

Redneck Bowhunter · 10-08-2007, 06:28 AM

Thanks. Yes I was looking at the laminate SS and liked it. If I was to do some reloading and fine tuning do you think I could get it to about .5'' groups at 100 yds? What other options in rifles would you say would be more accurate in the same caliber for a left handed shooter?

bronko22000 · 10-08-2007, 06:23 PM

The Ruger M77 in left hand is a good rifle. I had one in 300 Win Mag. It shot well. But the factory trigger left something to be desired. I had my gunsmith do a trigger job and it help a lot. The bolt was smooth. But the couple of things I didn't like was 1. the Weight. (Yeah it was a 300 Mag, longer barrel, etc) and 2. the 3 position safety. (hated it).
The rugers are fine guns and shoot well, but for me, I prefer the Savage 111 or 116 or the Browning A-bolt - both availabe in left hand and in 30-06.

HEAD0001 · 10-08-2007, 08:51 PM

To get a rifle to shoot true 1/2 inch 5-shot groups at 100 yards is a difficult thing. I realize you read about everybody here doing it all the time-I am a bit skeptical. 1 to 1 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards are acceptable groups for deer rifles. If you are truly wanting 1/2 inch groups then IMO you need to go with a heavy varmint rig, I do not think you will achieve that with most out of the box deer hunting weight rifle's.

As Bronko said the Savage and Browning are available in SS. I do like the Stainless Stalker by Browning, however I like theRuger laminated stock the best. The Savage is also a fine firearm, but I do not like their stock-it is a cheapy-but the Savage will shoot well. I do not know if Savage makes their standard rifle in LH with a laminated stock. But again (and Iown a couple of them) theirblack synthetic stock is cheesy.

I like the three position safety(on the Ruger), it allows you to open the bolt while the rifle in on safety. Tom.

Redneck Bowhunter · 10-09-2007, 04:47 PM

I don't think that .5'' groups would be that hard to acheive when reloading myself and shooting from a bench at 100 yds. I think I may try the M77 out first to see if I like it. But it is definately one that I am going to look into. Thanks for the replys, and good luck this year.

Pioneer2 · 10-14-2007, 07:21 PM

My son has a MKII in 25-06 and it clover leaves 3 shots at 100 yards but had a trigger job.Last week he dumped a bull elk at 400 yards with 120gr Hornady handloads taking out both lungs and breaking a rib entering and exiting.Five shot groups mean nothing hunting.Whofires 5 shots at one animal?I wouldn't keep a bolt action rifle that wouldn't shoot M.O.A. off the bench...........Ruger did a poor job of copying the Win 70 safety otherwise good gun.....Harold