Just came back from Shipton's Big R and they are clearing out the Ruger M77 MII to make way for the new Hawkeye model. Sale price is $449. They've got a 90-day layaway plan I'll take advantage of so the wife doesn't kick me out of the house.I've settled on a .25-06 thanks to input from some of you here. Seems like a good price for a great rifle. The guy at the counter said he didn't know what the retail price would be on the new model, but I'm guessing it'll be around $600-$700. The Ruger web site says the MSRP is about $750. I find it hard to believe that any improvements will be worth the extra $100 to $200 for the new model.So, now I just have to decide whether to go with the blue or silver.

The only thing better than shooting a rifle is buying a new one...

heres an idea.....buy a blue one in 25-06 and a stainless one in 300 Win.
The only thing better than buying one rifle is to buy TWO

I would recommed the stainless finish. It's more durable and resistant to corrosion. I think you made a great choice in the .25-06, I love mine.

Ditto that, I have an M77 MKII All-Weather in 7mag and I love it. The MSRP on the websites are generally about $100 more for then what they will sell in the stores. The normal price at the Bass Pro Shops where I bought mine was $550 but I got it for $499 on sale plus another ten percent off for applying and using their credit card (which I paid off about a month later). One thing to note, although you are getting a quality rifle for a great price, is that Rugers are picky about their diet. Of course, all rifles have their own characteristics.

They were already sold out of the stainless when I returned with my down payment, so I got the (last in-the-box) blue/walnut. I'm happy, though. I have a M77 MkIIstainless with a grey laminate in 30-06, so this rifle just adds a little variety to my gun safe.I do like the more traditional look and feel of this combo. I'm not a big fan ofsynthetic stocks, but I do have aHogue OM I put on my 30-cal last season. Didn't have to worry about knicks and dings,it free floated the barrel and has a nice aluminum bed for the action. I got real nice results at the range and took a few deer and lopes with that set up. I'll probably put the Hogue on this new rifle since I anticipate it will be my go-to hunting rig for everything short of elk and bear. I'll keep thewalnutas an option if I change my mindabout theHogue.

I should have the rifle home in about six weeks and I am looking forward togetting itto the range. Now I'm spending all my spare time contemplating a scope. I think I'll go with a Leupold VX III 3.5-10X40.

Wish I could buy two rifles at once, but I'd definately be in the dog house.

Thanks for the feedback.

Mud