I doubt that you will be disappointed with a M77 as long as your caliber of choice matches your hunting needs. I have had two Rugers, 1977 .270 and 1985 .257 Roberts. I still have the .270 and it shoots like a dream. Almost any grain bullet from 100-150 will hit in a very tight group (rare to have three shots not covered by a quarter) If it doesn' t hit the target it is my fault not the gun. Had a 3lb. trigger installed. As I understand Ruger just started making their own barrels again after having someone else make them in the late 80' s and 90' s. This fact alone is supposed to increase their accuracy back to pre 80 standards. I think the Tika, or anything else would be good as well. Lots of good guns on the market today.