?? about 16" vs 20" barrel
 

I'm in the market for a new rifle in 7mm-08 and am considering either the Model 7 SS with the 20" barrel or a M77 Compact with a 16 1/2" barrel. I like the shorter barrel of the Ruger, but love the looks and the synthetic stock and stainless barrel of the Remington.

Most of my shots with this rifle will be short, but the opportunity exists for a 200+ yard shot just like it does for all of us I guess.

My quandary is that I want the gun to be as short and lightweight as possible, but am worried about the ballistics of the 16 1/2" barrel.

I know the deer won't know the difference, but I've got a .243 with a 22" barrel and don't really want another rifle that is close to having the same ballistics as one I already have. Anyone have any information this?

Also, does anyone know if Ruger makes a compact 7-08 in stainless and synthetic.


Thanks,

LY

RE: ?? about 16" vs 20" barrel
 

You are going to lose some with a 16 1/2 inch barrel, but no whitetail at 200 yards will notice. You, on the other hand will certainly notice the muzzle blast!

RE: ?? about 16" vs 20" barrel
 

I'd personally go with which one feels the best. You'll lose some performance with the shorter barrel, but at only 200yds, it won't make that big of a difference. Any yes, Ruger makes the stainless compact in 7-08. Good luck on your choice.

RE: ?? about 16" vs 20" barrel
 

I'm also considering the Winchester M70 Compact, does anybody know if you can get a synthetic stock for either the Ruger or Winchester compacts?

I think I'll get the Ruger if I can get a stock for it at a reasonable price.

Thanks for your help,

LY

RE: ?? about 16" vs 20" barrel
 

I have a Ruger 77 Mk II Ultra Light in 7mm-08 Rem. It is target grey and has a 20" barrel and a synthetic stock. If I had my way it would have come with a laminate stock instead. A super-light 7mm-08 is no *****cat to shoot all day.

RE: ?? about 16" vs 20" barrel
 

Sounds like just what I want, but Ruger doesn't have it listed in 7-08 on their website. Wonder if they've stopped making that model in 7-08?

I love Rugers and the fact that I can save a good bit of money on not having to buy rings and a base, but I actually prefer synthetic stocks and not wood. Seems like I can't win for losing.


LY

RE: ?? about 16" vs 20" barrel
 

You won't see what I have on Ruger's site. Mine is a limited run.