Heavy Barrel for Ruger M77 223

[Coastalfisherman]

I want to make a varmit gun out of my M77 Bolt action 223. I have the stuff to do a trigger job, now I need a new barrel and stock. Any recommendations for a place to get a new barrel?

[billc_sbio]

I have a couple of M77 Rugers (in "Big Game" calibers) and have had a third, now exchanged for something different.

IF I were going to set up an "accurate" (by the standards accurate high powered .22s are judged by) .223 Rifle, I think I'd use a different action to base my rifle on.

Unless I went to a custom made action, I think I'd start with a Remington 700 Short Action.

I know you already HAVE the M77 you want to build the .223 HB on.

But I'm just thinking of getting the best results for your $$$.

I could try to state the reasons for this here. But I think that talking to a custom rifle building gunsmith would the best idea. They could probably explain the various reasons for going that route in detail better than I.

[scottishsetter]

You might talk with Lonewolf rifle stock people; tell 'em what you have...

[billc_sbio]

I see you're in Waldport?

You might like to contact Darrell Holland in Powers, OR about this.

He's a well known custom rifle builder.

Maybe he would say the M77's o.k. (or know how to best do it?).

[toas243]

Originally Posted by billc_sbio

I have a couple of M77 Rugers (in "Big Game" calibers) and have had a third, now exchanged for something different.

IF I were going to set up an "accurate" (by the standards accurate high powered .22s are judged by) .223 Rifle, I think I'd use a different action to base my rifle on.

Unless I went to a custom made action, I think I'd start with a Remington 700 Short Action.

I know you already HAVE the M77 you want to build the .223 HB on.

But I'm just thinking of getting the best results for your $$$.

I could try to state the reasons for this here. But I think that talking to a custom rifle building gunsmith would the best idea. They could probably explain the various reasons for going that route in detail better than I.

Why ,I have a M77 with the bull barrel it is a great shooter ,and I love the action ,just curious why

[billc_sbio]

Well...a few reasons...

One is (now this is the old, original M77, not sure about the Mk II ?) how the Front Bedding Screw pulls down on the action.

Unlike most bolt actions that pull straight down, vertically, the Ruger M77 action pulls down and forward, at an angle.

For pulling down onto an angled wooden stock this makes a certain amount of sense.

But from a strict accuracy/bedding standpoint this angle allows the action to slide, not being pulled down tightly onto a solid bedded platform.

That's (a big) one.

Another is that the shape of the tubular shaped action of the M700 allows for more rigidity and also allows other ways of supporting it steadily (like "V"-Blocks).

The tubular design also lends itself to easy machine work in a lathe for truing the face of the action.

This second feature is not really anything against the Ruger (or Winchester, or Mauser etc.), just a "plus" for the Remington design.

Another plus for the Remington is their (seperate) trigger, which is pretty good (and tuneable) as delivered, and the fact that many after market makers make special triggers for the M700.

[Chesapeake]

I have a somewhat tuned up Ruger M77 MKII in 300 win.

I would recomend starting with different foundation. Remington or Winchester would be good.

There is far more available for these guns on the aftermarket and gun smiths are fare more familiar with them.

Starting with the Ruger will only narrow your choices and serve to handycap you in the long run. It will also cost you more to tune up a Ruger.

Yes the Rugers are great guns, they just arent all that popular.

Just start you search by looking for an aftermarket stock for your Ruger. You will quickly see what I'm talking about.