Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

Anyone have any thoughts between these two? I am looking at a 270 Win or 280 Rem for deer and larger game. I like the new Stainless Featherweight in 270 that is coming out (sometime this year) and I also like the Ruger M77 MkII Sporter in either caliber. I think these two are (or will be) both great guns but I am looking for more opinions. Is it worth waiting for the Winchester to be availible? Are they both reliable and accurate?

Thanks for your time!

CK

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

It's all about which fits you better. Personally I'd get the ruger and have the trigger worked on. And i do like the ruger lamanated stocks.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I've got an '06 Winchester XTR Featherweight and two Ruger M77's in .243 and 7mm.

I've had nothing but great experiences from all of them, they all shoot and feel great in my hands.

The only real differences between them that I have noticed is that if you want a little better fit and finish go with the Winchester. If you want to save well over a $100 for a good head start on a good scope or something, then you won't be disappointed in the Ruger.

LY

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

Both are excellent rifles. I'd go with whatever one you like best. Personally, I'm looking
forward to checking out one of those Winchester Featherweights with the stainless barrel/action myself, and in 270Win., too (or maybe 6.5x55).

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I just looked at both and bought the Ruger. BUT, I liked the safety on the Winchester better. It was larger and, for me, easier to engage/disengage. I really didn't see a huge difference in the fit and finish between the two and was rather unimpressed with several (of both makes) that I looked at. I guess you really have to pick and choose. A Winchester M70 was about $180 more than the Ruger here. I didn't see the justification for the cost difference.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I own a Ruger but being a southpaw I tend to support those who support those of us who have that affliction. My Ruger is a shooter and has been a work horse through the years. But as someone else has said, I don't think you'll go wrong with either so for you it will go down to what fits both you and your wallet.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

The ruger will be far more accurate out of the box then the Winchester. It simply has a better barrel. The trigger will have to be replaced for it to be as good as a Remington or a Winchester though. In the past it meant a Timney but I understand that Jard and riflebasix now make replacement triggers which are easier to install. The winchester has a bigger safety but not necessarily smoother safety. If you buy the SS ruger you will have to get the barrel bead blasted to reduce glare. You get better scope rings with the Ruger and out of the 2 I would say the Ruger is more rugged. Take your pick

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

You know, I have never liked Ruger. But went shooting with a guy called Mossyoak on here. And every freaking 77 he pulled out he was shooting subMOA. I just shook my head. I thought they were supposed to be fairly inaccurate.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I have a Ruger 77 MKII in 300 WSM and it will shoot a .6" group at 100 yards with my 180gr handloads. My #1 7x57 mauser will shoot under 1" also. Ruger also comes with rings and the bases are machined as part of the action. I just ordered a Ruger 77 MK II in .223. I like Ruger for their accuracy, price and quality. I think Ruger has some very nice walnut stocks on their $500 off the shelf rifles.

As for caliber I would go with 30-06 it will do everything the .270 and 280 will cheaper with more bullet options and weights.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I am not married to any one brand of rifle. I think the legend of Ruger's inaccuracy comes from the time period when they outsourced their barrels. Some were outstanding shooters while others were dogs. My understanding is Ruger invested in their own barrel making machinery 8-10 years ago and the accuracy has been more consistent. I own an older tang safety Ruger that shoots shotgun like groups. Hopefully my new one is better.

I agree with Gundigest. When you add the rings you have a pretty decent firearm in the $500 range.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I also agree with Gundigest in more ways than one. "Guns kill people like spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat". That one was a riot!:D:D:D

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I like my ruger m77 .30-06 that I got in november. It shoots good out of the box.I took my first hog with it couple of weeks ago. After the season I going to get the trigger lightened which I have heard different stories about it. Some say only the timney will work, others say you can fix the factory trigger, and then I see some other options.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

Although I own two M70s and love them, my next rifle will be the Ruger Stainless RS, mainly because it has back-up iron sights. It only takes one time in the back country with a damaged scope to make a believer out of you. All you need is a large washer or quarter to remove the scope and you're back in business in a few minutes. No smooth barrels for me!

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

Those were old wives tales and internet rumours about Rugers...I have no doubt they shoot and shoot very well. I haven't had a dog yet when dealing with them, can't say the same about Winchester the overrated.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

Yea, I think I might look into 77's in the future. I mean he was cutting nickels every time. And the sad thing is this is some of his first reloads ever. I believe the boy could fall in a sewer and come back up with a gold watch on each arm

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I had the day off and with a break in the weather was able to shoot my new Ruger. I topped it off with an older Redfield 2x7x33. I had also purchased some 140 gr. Core-lokts and Federal Premium Partitions.

Put a target at 25 yards and fired a couple of shots to get her close. Trigger is pretty bad. Moved out to 100 yards and fired a 5 shot group. 1.38 inches. Let the barrel cool and fired a second 5 shot group. First three shots were touching with the remaining 2 expanding the group to 1.2 inches. Last 5 shot group had 4 shots nearly touching and one flier (I pulled that one). Never even touched the box of Partitions.

Needless to say I'm extremely pleased.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

Hey, not fair [&o] - what cartridge were you shooting. You gave us the the bullet weight, but is it 6.5x55, 7x57, 280Rem. 7mm-08, 7mmRem.Mag., or what???

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I did check my ruger .06 today. 3 shot group at right at an inch group, this is the best group yet.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

Sorry

7x57

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

yeah but mossy still <------------ to bigcountry he showed me everything I know

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I have my fair share of M-77's. Some are still unfired. The one's that have been fired shoot well.My one 7mm RM sure didn't like Federal Premium Ballistic Tips.With Rem 150 gr.CoreLokts I was getting 1-1.5" groups. Their integral scope mounting system is second to none.The Ruger triggers do leave allot to be desired.That's not a secret. They can be cleaned up well by someone who knows what they are doing.A friend did several of mine breaking at 3-3.5#. I did buy a Winchester "Coyote" in 223. In all honestly I was shooting 20+ year old reloads.I got right at 1.5" groups.Nothing but these old reloads have been through it. I'm sure it will drive tacks working up a load for it.I had it's trigger lighten. It has a Weaver V24 6x24 42mm scope mounted.On higher powers the clarity could be better.That's the scope which has nothing to do with the brand of rifles.Don't get me wrong I like the Winchester Coyote.It's really a nice rifle.I just like the M-77's better. In fact if I were to buy another heavy barreled rifle like the Coyote I would get the M-77VT.The integral scope mounting system is incorporated on the receiver.That can save allot of money depending what rings and base(s) you would buy. Ruger is about the best bang for your buck.My favorites are the "All Weathers". Granted they are not the best looking of the 77's but are very durable for hard usage in the field.

Ruger Redhawk

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I've got 3 M77's. All blued and walnut sporters, the 2nd best looking, and fitting factory rifle made. All will easily beat 3/4" at 100 yards with handloads. Two have Timneys, the other I reworked the trigger myself from directions found on Centerfirecentral.com. Turned out great.
The best looking factory rifle made is the M70 featherweight. My son has one of those that gives my Rugers a run for their money. Thing is though, I bought a real good scope for the difference in the price plus the mounts and rings.:)

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I have a Ruger M77 in 30-06 with the "boat paddle" stock and it has served me well. The trigger would be my only complaint but a good smith can work on that.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I have a Ruger 77 stainless with the old synthetic stock, and it shoots great with whatever I feed it. I put a Timney trigger on it and love it. It is in 300 Win Mag. It doesnt shoot any load I've tried over an inch.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I look at it this way, wins are not the firearms they used to be, and they aare closing their doors from what i have heard. ruger does make a quality firearm and the th;oughts of replacement part,if a breakdown occurs should be in your thoughts. Which ever one you pick, be happy with it and make sure its the one you want for you work hard for your money. vangunsmith

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

Hello Kraftworks3,
My next door hunting friend has killed more ELK in COLORADO then I can count. He has two huge 6x6s mounted. They had
to be mounted on the center of the wall, because they are 4ftx4ft across and over 4ft high.
All with Remington 700 in .270 Win. I can not argue with that, but whatever you are happy with, is also fine.
Always do a little research........



KEEP ON ROOTING!!!!!

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I have a M77 MK11 in 270 and Mod. 70 in 300 Win I love them they both shoot very well after floating the barrels and trigger jobs. I took my Ruger to a gunsmith and 35 dollars bought me a 3lb pull and no creep well worth it you don't need to buy a trigger. Personally I think the Ruger is a little better gun, and used to be quite a bit cheaper.

Good luck

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

Get the Winchester.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

Yes!! Don,t try and be to cheep with your money and try to save a 150.00 Bucks on the ruger-Buy the Winchester.

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

I prefer the Ruger rifles both of the rifles have very similar fetures but the Ruger's are more affordable and they come with rings and integral bases about a 50.00 savings Ruger m-77 mk2 rifles wood or synthetic sell for about 479.00 around here the winchesters are 600.00 and up I hope this helps chad

RE: Winchester Model 70 or Ruger M77 Mk II
 

Buy which ever feels the best to YOU. If your looking at hunting bigger animals than deer I would skip the 270, and the 280 isnt any better UNLESS you hand load, then you can real kick it up a notch. its hard to beat the 7mags,30-06, or 300mags for the big animals, not required, just better.