Ruger M77 Compact 243 opinion needed

222shooter

222shooter

New member
I need some opinions on the Ruger compact 243. I'm thinking about using it for deer and coyotes in PA. I like the caliber and how small, light weight, easy to carry the rifle is. The short barrel concerns me on what effect it will have on ballistics, muzzle blast etc. What do you guys think?
 
222 shooter

I have a 243 compact and it does without a doubt give up a little velocity because of the barrel length but I can't say it makes much difference in the field at reasonable ranges. The real drawback to me is the muzzleblast which I find to be very much excessive. My boy has a 308 Ruger Ultraslight and I find it to be a much better compromise than the compact. The 20" bbl really helps with the muzzleblast and it carries abour the same as the compact. I'd trade my compact for an ultralight in a heartbeat.

REM
 
I've been looking into a lighterweight 243 myself. I looked at most of them and so far plan to pass on the 16" Ruger 77. Right now I plan to get a Savage 2005 model 10FCM Seirra. That is a 20" model with the accu-trigger and a detachable box mag. The Savage lady told me the other week they expect them to be available at the end of May. My second choice is an A-Bolt Micro hunter.

I'm sure the 16" Ruger would do the job but I wanted a 20" barrel to get the blast further out. I have a 16" AR & the blast is O.K. but I'll go longer on the 243.

Wal-Mart has the 2004 model 10 available through their order system for $429 but it does not have the detachable box mag. Since I don't own a Savage I think it is time to try one.
 
One more to think about is the Tikka T3 lightweight in blue or stainless. I'm thinking about going that way myself. It is about 6lb 3oz's with a 2-4lb adjustable trigger & detachable mag. The barrel is just under 22 1/2". I have no idea on cost, $600+ or so but it does come with scope rings.
 
Ditto the muzzle blast.

The Remington Model Seven (20" barrel) or Savage 16 (22" barrel) would also be excellent choices. Either weigh in at 6 1/4 to 6 1/2 pounds.

I loved my Ruger M-77 in .243..... Loved the Model Seven even more! My next rifle is going to be either another Model Seven SS or Savage 16FSS in 7mm-08.

me!
 
.222Shooter & Muskrat:

I have an Ithaca LSA-55, Made by Tikka, in .243 Winchester in the classifieds. Comes with 3-12X Scope, RCBS Dies and new, unfired brass, if your interested, e-mail me at dsnaphoto@aol.com.

Dave
 
I like all my light cary rifles, none anymore that the others, as far as weight and perfoormance go. But now I do lean toward some of the calibers more so when the safe door opens. Weatherby Mark V ultralight, Winchester Model 70 Featherlight, Ruger M77 MKII. Next one will probably be the Ruger compact in 7-08.
 
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