AusVarmint

What are peoples thoughts on this rifle? It will be my own first centre fire rifle. You can check out the pic of it here(just have to scroll down the page to find it) -
http://www.usedguns.com.au/used_guns_wh ... hats%20new

Calibre 223
Make Ruger
Model M77 Mk 2 RBZ
Action Bolt repeater
Scope 3-9x32E
Condition Excellent
Serial No. 785-21308

Price $850
Advertised 4 Jan 08
Licence No 407292853
Comments All stainless in a laminated stock, scope is a Tasco 3-9x32E illuminated

It's not really a bargain - 2nd hand rifle with a small and crappy Tasco scope for $850.

Check out the deals this mob are doing on brand new Weatherby Vanguard Varminters.


http://www.bankstowngunshop.com.au/

no problems with rugers but agree, not a bargain.

My mate is just about to spend $200 to get his ruger free floated and trigger worked. A rifle that comes with a good trigger and is free floated then should be worth $200 more. Have a look at something like a T3 or CZ

You I realise now it was pretty crap bargain.... When I first posted it I thought it was a Sako....

Muttang,

The others have put you right it is pretty expensive especially as the scope is worth nothing. Old mate Kev has a ruger in 223 synthetic (boat paddle) stock and he loves it. he got his in near new secondhand condition for about $600. If this is in your price range i woulod hold out for a Tikka T3 blued hunter. They look good, shoot well, allready floated and an easily (done at home) adjustable trigger.

If I knew what i know now i would have gone down the Tikka route straight away as i love my 30-06

yeah, went into my LGS at lunch time and asked for you, he has a ruger stainless synthetic 223 (just traded and out the back so didnt see it) described as in mint condition with a similar worthless (but will get you shooting) scope. Told him a forum member was looking one and he said $750. If its mint then maybe not a bargain but getting fair value.

Thanks for looking for me trevort... I already have a Leupold VXI 3-9X40 ready to go for it... Just waiting for the PTA.... Got about $1000 to spend... Vanguards on special at Bankstown GS look alright.

I love my Rugers especially my VT but you are better off buying a new one!

Had a Vt, pick of the bunch from Ruger (havent had experience of the new ones)

Hate my mates vanguard, the trigger is heavy and creepy, its a 22-250 with a 22 inch barrel and blows your ears off and the stock is so flexible that if you hold the forend tight you push it onto the barrel.

If you've got a grand, you can afford a T3

Yeah thats my other option. Bes t price I could get with that Tikka T3 SS Varmint was $1190.... If I go the Lite I should be able to get it in the $800's..

Muttang wrote:Yeah thats my other option. Bes t price I could get with that Tikka T3 SS Varmint was $1190.... If I go the Lite I should be able to get it in the $800's..

I would hold of for an extra payday you wont regret it

Nothing wrong with Rugers or any controlled rd feed for that matter, but they just don't make the best varmint rifles. A push feed action is more rigid,hence the coopers, Hs-Precision,Nosler custom, the various Remington variants etc, etc.
before all the model 70 fans come up in arms about the us Marine corps using model 70's as there sniper rifles, well there is a difference between shooting at a target the size of a man and a rabbit hare fox or wallaby ,even thought the distance is greater, the aim of a sniper is to take out, the aim of a varminter is to kill, at a heck of alot smaller target.
I've had some experience with several Rugers,from the M77/17 to the M77 308 sporter. Not one of them has failed to live up to the expectations as a sporting rifle, but all have needed more work to consistantly shoot under an inch. the laminate sporter in 243 that I tried I liked so much I kept, but eventually put a Bell and carlsen stock on , bedded the action and floated the Barrel, then it would shoot, put handloads of the cheap hornady sp 87gr into 3/4 inch each time everytime.
I'm not a fan of forend pressure that is found on Ruger and alot of Remington rifles.
If you like the look and feel of the Ruger, then go for it, it will never let you down.
If your looking for tiny groups, I suggest you look elswhere.

maybe ruger dont make the best varmint rifle, but its a bloody good one, the VT is free floated and the 2 stage trigger is very good. Mine did shoot tiny groups and I'm nervously awaitng my custom replacement. it will definetely look nicer and win on the "nice rifle wank factor" but I'm gonna feel silly if doesnt shoot as good.

Muttang, you've probably made up your mind by now but I'll say two of my main shooting buddies run T3 lites and they really shoot well. Both those guys shoot better than me- I have to build custom rifles to keep up! But if their rifles weren't up to it I doubt they'd pull the arsy shots they do. Either of them would also recommend optilok rings to go with your leupold.

ojr,

A push feed action is more rigid,hence the coopers, Hs-Precision,Nosler custom, the various Remington variants etc, etc.
before all the model 70 fans come up in arms

Sorry to burst your bubble there old mate but I own a push feed Model 70. I would not pay the outrageous prices they want for a Cooper (there not that good)

cheers
Rinso