I am looking at getting a shorter/lighter gun for all day hunts/stalks. I now have a Browning BAR 30-06 and a Browning A-bolt .300 ultramag. Both are long and heavy for allday stalks in CO and making drives all day in WI. This gun will also be for my son to use in a few years. The ruger M77 Mark II with laminate stock and stainless barrel pros, short length,stainless barrel,can open bolt on safe,nice looking stock, cons,no clip,no synthetic stock,location and noise of safety . Browning A-bolt pros,clip,location and noise of safety,its a browning. cons,no stainless barrel,no synthetic stock,6" longer than ruger,can't open bolt on safe. The prices are in the same range so that wont break the deal for either one. Just want your input on them both. Thank You.

IMO the Ruger Compact is too small for the average sized man to shoot well. Get the Browning, you already have a few so you know how good they are.

Take a look at a Sako Finnlite. It has a detachable clip, you can open bolt with safety on (seperate lever), stainless synthetic, and the short action 20" barrel only weighs 6 lbs. I have one in 7mag and it drives tacks!!! Quite a bit more money but there is no comparison.

Ruger. Buy American. Actually there was a limited run of Ruger UltraLites in 7mm-08 Rem with the target grey finish. I have one and I love it.

I agree with popeye, the ruger compact is way to small a rifle for a larger man. Ruger makes an ultra light that comes in all weather with a 20" barrel. I also have a browning micro medallian in 7mm08, that is an awesome rifle. I think that the browning micro is perfectly balanced, but the ruger looks like a great combo as well.
borty

Borty77 has some good suggestions there, but here's another you may find suitable.
Take a look at the Remington 700 LSS Mountain Rifle. It's a stainless steel barrel & action, with laminated stock. Bolt opens with safety on. No detachable mag.
Lightweight: approx. 6-1/2lbs. Available in 260Rem., 7mm-08, 270Win., and 30-06.
I have one in 270. Really good rifle.

Check it out (link): http://www.remington.com/firearms/ce...e/700mtnls.htm

I would have to disagree with those that say that the Ruger is way too small for the average man.
I have two of the Rugers one in the 308 and one in the 243 cals. I stand 5' 10'' tall and weigh 210 pounds. I use a Leupold compact scope that fits this rifle and myself perfect.

Do yourself a favor and put one up to your shoulder and see if it fits. If not then go with the Browning.

Just my two cents.
hunter338