Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

I was at Bass Pro this weekend looking at all of the rifles. I really liked the Ruger Mark II Sporter. It has a synthetic barrel and a wood stock. I like the three position safety like a Winchester and the machining is real nice.

Are there any issues that I should be aware of? Trigger? Is it a shooter?

I noticed that the barrel and the stock ride very tight. Is this something to be considered? Am I going to have to have the barrel floated?

Any info would be appreciated because this is the last rifle that I will be buying for a while and I don't want to make a mistake.

I would like to get it in a 300wsm.

I looked at the Tikka T3 and I didn't like it. I also looked at the savage and I liked the price but I didn't like the finish. I liked the Winchester but I already have one and would like to give someone else a shot.

Opinions would be great.

Thanks
Tom

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

Also are the rings that come with Ruger any good? How do you feel about the integraded base on the reciever?

Thanks

Tom

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

WIth Ruger 77's the only thing that has to be adjusted is the trigger. The gun should be a pretty good shooter. I will say that it would not be my first choice for a 300 wsm in that price range especially with a 22" barrel. I would rather go with a Weatherby Vanguard since it has a 24" barrel. The price on a stainless Vanguard should be pretty close to that of a Ruger STd blued/walnut or SS synthetic rifle. The Ruger integrated rings are pretty darn strong if not the strongest out there..they will have to be lapped though since they tend to be rough and will leave a mark on the scope tube.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

Tom,

Need to clarify a couple things. First off, the Ruger MkII Sporter comes with stainless steel barrel/action, and a laminated wood stock. Unless they've made something not in their current catalog, nor on their website, they don't chamber it in 300WSM, but do make it in 300Win.Mag., and the barrel length is 24". Following are specs from the Ruger website:

Caliber: .300 Win Mag
Capacity: 3 Rounds
Finish: Stainless
Stock / Grip: Brown Laminate
Barrel Length: 24"
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:10" RH
Overall Length: 44 3/4"
Weight: 8 1/4 lbs
California Approved: N/A
Massachusetts Approved: N/A
Front Sight(s): None
Rear Sight(s): None
Other Features: Three-Position Manual Safety
Suggested Retail Price: $ 773.00
Miscellaneous: N/A

The stock Ruger trigger will generally require some work by a gunsmith to lighten it up some, or can be replaced with a Timney trigger, etc. However, I have found a few on the shelves at my local dealer who's triggers were useable out of the box - not good, but useable. The integrated system for attaching scope rings on the Ruger is one of the best, and of course, saves you money as you don't have to go out and buy rings and bases. I don't know about "lapping" the rings, I never have, and I've had no problem with mounting scopes on the Ruger rifles I've had.
Is it a shooter? Will you have to have the barrel floated? No way to answer these for sure. Every rifle is different. Most Rugers I've had have been good shooters.
I like some Remingtons, Winchesters, Sako, etc., but for my money, if I had to limit myself to only one rifle [:o] I'd take a Ruger first.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

But they do make it in SS and Walnut/Blue but with a 22" barrel.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

Whoops sorry on the typo. Nope I want the Win Mag not the short. Does that change anything?

I am going to go look up the Weatherby Vangard right now. They didn't have any at Bass Pro.

Keep the info coming.

Thanks

Tom

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

Yes, but the orig. post cited the Ruger MkII Sporter;
Now, assuming he doesn't know what model he was looking at, but just wants a 300WSM, then yes, Ruger does make that chambering in several models:
Ruger MkII All-Weather - stainless steel with synthetic stock, 22" barrel.
Ruger MkII Frontier - blued with back laminate stock, 16-1/2" barrel.
Ruger MkII Standard - blued with walnut stock, 22" barrel.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

It would be available in all three models discussed. Walmart handles Vanguards as do a lot of gunshops.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

I just checked the Weatherby website and it seems to be a real nice rifle. The price is very good too.

Oldelk, I noticed that they did a rifle comparison on thier website but they didn't choose the Ruger M77 Mark II. Would you be able to provide me with a breakdown where the Weatherby outdoes the Ruger primary parts only. Start with the extractor because I know the mauser that Ruger uses is considered one of the best and the Weatherby uses what they call an M16 style extractor. Is that similar to an AR-15 extractor or are they different?

Thanks
Tom

BTW - I am considering the Ruger Mark II Sporter and the Weatherby Vanguard Sporter SS in 300 Win Mag.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

Main design difference is one is a CRF and the other is a PF.

Lets compare SS rifles:

Vanguard/Howa 1500 action is patterned off earlier Sako rifles. It has a very robust extractor similar well to a M16 extractor. The reciever and bolt are forged steel. Bolt is one piece as well. Bolt is field strippable with no tools needed. Trigger is similiar to that of a Remington 700 except it doesn't have an overtravel feature. the SS version is made of 410 steel which is a better grade of SS then 416 which the ruger is made of. Krieger barrels charge more for machining barrels out of this alloy compared to 416..that tells me it is more difficult to machine ie harder. One piece floorplate assembly is combination of aluminumn housing and a steel floorplate. This is a very rugged rifle and I think better designed then most Push feed rifles out there.


Ruger is completely investment cast out of 416 SS . Bolt is one piece as well not field strippable unless you carry around a nail with you. The triggerguard and floorplate are 2 piece design. The trigger is nonadjustable from factory you will have to polish sear and trigger surfaces for it to have any semblance of a decent pull. The safety is too small and requires to much movement from safe to fire. Compare it with a Model 70 and then tell me. I think they could finish the action a little better since the only polished part seems to be the top of the reciever and the bolt body..everywhere else they are a bit rough IMHO. Still they are very dependable guns and have a good scope mounting system built in.

In a nutshell if you want a quality CRF rifle look at a Commercial Mauser or Model 70 action. If you want a really good PF action you would have to spend double that of a vanguard to get any measurable difference. I have owned both guns in both CM and SS and they both shot very well. If I had to choose it would be the VAnguard easily over the Ruger.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

Thank OldElk. I am going to have to go see one.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

I would have to say I agree with Oldelkhunter. I have owned both rifles mentioned and I prefer the Vanguard. One note not listed is that the vanguard will come with an accuracy guarantee. This will be 3 shots within 1.5" at 100 yards with premium ammo. The gun also comes with a target proving this. If you will take a look on the Weatherbywebsite the vanguard is available in several grades and chambered forthe 300 Win. Mag and the 300 WSM. The base model vanguard synthetic runs $378 at Wal Mart in my neck of the woods. If you are willingto spend a little more money you could have Bass Pro order you a Vanguard Sub-Moa that will come with an accuracty guarantee of .99" or less at 100 yards. Good luck with whatever you decide. Remember buy what suits you best not me and you will keep yourself happy.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

Ruger makes very good guns. I have the MK II standard all weather 300 WSM and my rifle will shoot 1/2" groups at 100 yards. As for the scope rings and bases I think it is one of the best systems out there. You don't have to worry about the bases coming loose and I have never had my rings come loose. It will porbably need a trigger job, whitch you could do your self, I did. I printed the directions off of the internet and did my own trigger job. It is at 3 pounds now. It was at 5 pounds.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

You'll have to decide which you like and what fits you the best.I have my share of the Ruger M-77's.In all honesty some have never been fired. The ones that have all are good shooters.You might have to try different loads or factory ammo until you get one it likes. My 7mm RM didn't like the Federal Premuim Ballistic Tips.It eats the Remington CoreLokts up.The triggers are a weak spot on the Ruger's. They can be cleaned up nicely.The Intregal scope rings are very strong and will not loosing up.That right there will save you quite a bit,.I personally think it's a great scope mounting system.I have both Blued/ Walnut stocks and the"'All Weather" models.I prefer the AW.mainly for the durability. The Tikka Whitetail Hunters are nice and reasonably priced.At least they were a couple years back.That's probably changed like most have gone up considerably.Take your time look at several different rifles. We mightlike something andyou may not..You've been given some good advice.

Ruger Redhawk

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

Not to get too off topic of this great discussion, but how would one compare the Rem M700 BDL to the Weatherby Vanguard? I'm stuck deciding between the two. Looking at both in .243 Win.

Thanks.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

More gunsmiths have familiarity with the Remington Action and you can more easily customize one. I think the HOWA is more rugged and has the better extractor. Lots of differences on paper that would make one lean towards the Howa/Vanguard but in real life hunting conditions not sure how much of a difference they really make . You can do as I do and buy them and try them out and if you don't like them get rid of them. I like all 3 of the rifles discussed in this thread each one has its pros and cons.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

Thanks for the response. I own a M700 BDL in .22-250 and it's extreamly accurate soI was considering another one. I see the Vanguard is less $$ so thought I would give that a try. Still undecided but leaning toward the Vanguard to add something new to the collection.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

Ido not think that the Ruger M77-MK II isa bad rifle at all , quite the opposite. I think it's an extremely rugged, reliable rifle that represents an extremely good buy in today's market. They generally feed very well, and the scope mounting system is excellent. I would much rather have a Ruger than most other factory rifles, and I'vesaid that if you own an accurate Ruger, you own a good gun. Some Rugers don't shoot all that well out of the box, but bedding, loads, and trigger work helps many of them live up to their potential -- the same stuff you'll have to do to many factory rifles.

I think its important to remember that a good hunting rifle possesses many traits. Accuracy, while important, must also be coupled with dependability and ruggedness.I like the way the Ruger is constructed, i.e., with a few wellproportioned steel parts. Acceptable hunting accuracy, rugged, dependable, at a reasonable price. Pretty hard to beat.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

Just went to a shop in the area to take a look at the Vanguards. They didn't have any. They only had Mark V. I will have to go a little further away to see one.

I did get to see a kimber though. Wow is that a nice gun. They don't have a model with a wood stock and stainless barrel though. They also don't use the 300 Win Mag. I found that to be quite strange.

Tom

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

I'm in total agreement with everything elkhunter said.

IMHO I would much prefer to have a Weatherby vanguard or Howa (same rifle) over a ruger any day.

I will also add that nearly every Ruger (bolt action) firing pin will strike the primer off center. It is preferable to have the firing pin to strike dead center of the primer. Some say that when the firing pin strikes off center you get irradic primer ignition.

I'm also not a big fan of the angled front action screw.

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

BigBulls,

What is the angle front action screw that you are talking about and what does it affect. Also why does a Ruger strike off center?

Thanks
Tom

RE: Ruger Mark II Sporter Issues?
 

The front screw goes through the stock and into the action at an angle. This pulls the action down and back into the stock. This is a good system for a factory rifle since it rarely requires any extra bedding. I have a ruger mk. II sporter in .300 win mag. I think this is a wonderful hunting rifle. I had a trigger job done for $25. It now shoots 1 moa groups. My only complaint is the weight of the rifle. Outfitted with a sling and 6x42 scope it weighs just over ten pounds.