Don't undermind the reputation of a ruger. I owned the 77 ruger and was pleased with it other than its weight. The barrel thicknest is a lot heavier than that of the 700 in which is why I have the model 700 because I do a lot of stalking and the remington 700 is a lot lighter than that of a ruger 77 and every bit as accurate. If you are a south paw than get the gun that fits, I have owned them both, and either/or are fine rifles, it all comes down to one shot, get the gun that feels comfortable.