Ruger M77 floating barell

saxwonder · 02-16-2006, 06:48 AM

Just bought a ruger M77 and haven't had a chance to shoot it yet. I am wondering if I should be prepared to have to float the barell or if these guns shoot better with it tight in the stock (right now it is pretty freeking tight in there) :whazzup:. If anyone knows the tendencies of these guns I would love to here them.
Thanks

baltz526 · 02-16-2006, 06:52 AM

break it in first, look up a good barrel break in procedure. and go through all the steps, then shoot it for accuracy, to see if you need to do anything else.

brshooter · 02-16-2006, 07:07 AM

baltz526 is right. Let the rifle tell you if it needs the barrel floated.

There are so many variable that can effect rifle accuracy.

Don't know what experience you have with precision shooting, but the book "The Accurate Rifle" is pretty much the bible. Lots of info on bench technique, ammo, and rifles.

saxwonder · 02-16-2006, 07:09 AM

Thanks guys, I am fairly new to rifles so I will definitely check that book out.

ICHTHYDEMON · 02-16-2006, 07:11 AM

The Rugers I've had have all been more than adequate in the accuracy department. Huntng rifles don't have to shoot 1/2" groups .

slowbuilder2005 · 02-16-2006, 07:51 AM

I've had my M77 for a lot of years ...about 27 to be exact. As far as I know, the new ones are no different (other than minor things). Mine shoots a 1" pattern at 100 yards and always has. And that's with factory ammo. Maybe I got lucky, but I bought the gun because a friend had the same good experience and recommended it. My gun works just like his ...good. Gonna start reloading this year so I'm now curious how well I can make it shoot by working up my own loads and what not. Should be fun.

Brian

biederboat · 02-16-2006, 09:19 AM

I've got two Rugers, .270 and 300 Win Mag. Both will shoot overlapping groups (holes overlap) at 100 yards with factory ammo and the barrel cool. They may wander a bit when the barrel gets warm but I don't plan on shooting that much in the field at an actual hunting target.

Biederboat

alaskan · 02-16-2006, 09:36 AM

Quote:

I've got two Rugers, .270 and 300 Win Mag. Both will shoot overlapping groups (holes overlap) at 100 yards with factory ammo and the barrel cool. They may wander a bit when the barrel gets warm but I don't plan on shooting that much in the field at an actual hunting target.

This is the first sign of a bedding problem. If it does this, you need to float the barrel and check the action bedding. If not then you probably don't need to do anything.

2 bit Hook'r · 02-16-2006, 06:03 PM

Here's the deal on floating your barrel. You didn't say what kind of stock you have, but it can make a difference. If you have a wood stock here is your best bet. Remember that this is for a sporter / hunting rifle not a long distance target rifle with a huge bull barrel. I have found that almost without exception you do not need to full float the barrel. I recommend that you remove small amounts of stock material from the barrel channel as needed to slip a dollar bill between the stock and barrel all except for the last 1 inch at the forend tip. At this area you should have a contact point pushing up slightly on the barrel. The reason for this is that you want repeatibility from shot to shot. All barrels will flex upon firing and the goal here is to make it flex the same each time you fire it. Thinner sporter type barrels found on most hunting rifles will usually benifit from having a vibration dampening contact point at the forward end of the stock. Be careful to ensure that this upward pressure is not off-center to one side. Then, when you have things fitted correctly, be sure to seal any bare wood areas in the channel with varithane to prevent it from absorbing moisture , because humidity changes can sometimes affect the shape of your wood stock. Also you want to make sure that the action screws are good and snug throughout this process. With synthetic stocks I often fill the channel with expanding foam from a spray can (the kind used for home insulation). I also fill the buttstock. This adds almost no weight at all, does a good job of dampening vibration, and has the added bonus of reducing noises when twigs and brush rub against your stock. If you do this, use electrical tape to tightly wrap your stock to the barrel about 2 inches from the forend tip until it's dry to prevent the foam from forcing the stock away from the barrel. This is all very easy to do in an evening and has given excellent results for many years for me. Good luck and happy shooting.

saxwonder · 02-16-2006, 06:32 PM

good info, thank you very much

RoscoeP · 02-16-2006, 10:04 PM

Been shooting a Ruger 300 Win. Mag since 1986. Shot excellent groups right out of the box. 180gr. NP's or Accubonds both shoot great out of mine!

Grantspastor · 02-17-2006, 07:08 AM

I've owned three M 77's. They all shot well. I did accurize a .270 and it is the only M.O.A. rifle I own.

Sled Dog · 02-17-2006, 09:22 AM

My grandpa bought me a .270 m77 for my 12th birthday and first hunting season. Its still driving tacks with factory and hand loads 21 years latter and has put something in the freezer every year since. Inch or less groups at 100yrds. I've had a trigger job done but thats it. I even load up some 90 grain hps and 110s for dogs/chucks. Luv that gun!