Ruger M77 Hawkeye

AdamT

AdamT

Well-known member
Tossing around the idea of a new bolt gun. Just wanting a no frills not to heavy rifle that I could carry around all day and not feel like I'm carrying a chunk of lead. All my bolt guns now are Remington 700s. I've been looking at the M77 Hawkeye maybe in .204. Anyone using one of these or a similar newer Ruger? Opinions? My dad has an older M77 with the tang safety in a 220 swift that's a tack driver? Just curious as to the quality of the newer ones because I can't go see one as none of the local gun shops seem to stock them. Also open to suggestions on calibers? I currently have a .222, .270, .308 all in bolt action and a .223 and 6.8 in an AR platform. Will be used for coyotes, groundhogs, general carry, no deer or big game. Not a reloaded either at the present time.
 
Just bought a Hawkeye in .243 for my son. It's a wonderful rifle as you would expect from Ruger. I own a bunch of Rugers and have only had 1 that was a disappointment. If you can't find what you want locally and have a dealer that will do a transfer you may want to try www.budsgunshop.com for your purchase. I have bought from them several times and was pleased with every transaction. Their prices are hard to beat also.
 
I'm a big fan of Ruger rifles (and especially moreso their revolvers), but I notice that you seemed to focus on the total rifle weight in your thread, and wanted to point this out:

For equivalent lengths, Ruger actions are about 1/2lb heavier than Remington 700's. They're relatively on par for weight with winchester, sako, and Savage actions, but compared to the 700 tube actions, they're big ol fat girls. Just something to keep in mind.

What that CAN MEAN: 1) for the same barrel profile and stocks, the Ruger's a half pound heavier OR 2) for profile and stocks that yield the same weight, the Ruger will balance more between your hands than a Remington - giving it a faster handling, but less stable feel.

BUT... If you're ok with that weight differential, then buy the Ruger, block and bed the action, torque down the front action screw, free float the barrel, and go kill stuff.

I'm currently in progress with two Ruger M77 Hawkeyes for my wife and I, and rebuilding my first deer rifle to pass on to my son - a Ruger M77 Mark II. I wouldn't ever build one as a bench-rest rifle or long range colony varminter, but for a hunting rifle, it's a great choice.
 
One other note that you may or may not find of value ..... the Hawkeye has a controlled feed action. Remington, Savage, and others do not.
 
Thanks guys. I may jump on one. I just like the simple yet classic look of that wood stock. I love my Remys but want something different but quality. And as to weight, 1/2 lb is no big deal. I just didn't really want a heavy barrel and varmint stock and all the weight like my .308 (700 SPS varmint, hogue bedded stock, pods and glass) though it shoots great just not a field gun. I've looked at buds online, the local gun shop guy charges an extra $30 on the transfer fee if it comes from there. My guess is to keep their price after fees close to his price out the door.
 
Originally Posted By: sandy hicksThe hawkeye predator in 204 would make a nice caliber addition to your collection. Plenty of good factory ammo choices.

I have looked at those also. A little heavier but still not a bull barrel. Kinda the happy median of compromise. The predator is offered in a 22-250 also. Would there be any real performance advantage to it over the 204. I know people that use both and both cartridges seem to be well liked
 
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Originally Posted By: AdamTOriginally Posted By: sandy hicksThe hawkeye predator in 204 would make a nice caliber addition to your collection. Plenty of good factory ammo choices.

I have looked at those also. A little heavier but still not a bull barrel. Kinda the happy median of compromise. The predator is offered in a 22-250 also. Would there be any real performance advantage to it over the 204. I know people that use both and both cartridges seem to be well liked

I have a Hawkeye Predator also. And they are a LOT heavier than the standard Hawkeye. I love it, but I wouldn't want to go climbing hills and such all day with it. You may want to pick up and shoulder each one before you make any decisions.
As for the '250 ... it is a LOT more caliber than the .204. But it also costs more to shoot.
 
I would love to go see one in person and compare, but nobody close stocks them that I have ever saw. Hidalgo what part of East TN are you if you don't mind. Or do you know a place in NE TN that carries them. I'm not far from Kingsport area and Johnson City isn't too bad of a trip. I've been to the new Cabela's in Bristol and didn't see one there or at the Bass Pro.
 
I've shot a 204 once and loved they way it preformed. Nailed a red fox at about 250 and dropped it. Didn't care much for the rifle (H&R ultra varmint fluted) but really liked the 204. I'd most likely opt for the 204. One of my hunting buddies swears by the 250 though so I've always considered it.
 
Originally Posted By: HidalgoOne other note that you may or may not find of value ..... the Hawkeye has a controlled feed action. Remington, Savage, and others do not.

When pinned down on your back by a hoard of zombie prairie dogs, CRF makes a big difference! ;-)

The Winchester 70 and CZ 527/550 are CRF as well, not just the Ruger.

In fairness, I suppose it's worth noting that most of these are CRPF's, not true CRF's, which enables you to drop a round in the open action, rather than strictly feeding from the magazine. Being able to drop one is kinda nice for colony varmint shooting, less valuable for coyotes.
 
AdamT, I am in Chattanooga, so I'm not much help in that regard.

Varminterror, notice I didn't mention the Winchester or CZ?
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Controlled feed might not be of much value for prairie dogs, but I'll take it any day as just another "accessory".

And FWIW, Ruger doesn't recommend single feeding their rifles straight into the chamber. I can't see that it would cause any extractor damage unless you did it over an extended period and many more rounds than most of us will ever shoot, though. But it does make the bolt harder to close at times.
 
Wont be disappointed with a ruger, maybe need a trigger fix. If tack driving, maybe float and bed and then tack city! Might not need that, but regardless rugers are just beautiful!
 
Well you guys are selling me. I'm gonna try to find a M77 hawkeye standard in .204. If no luck locally, I guess its internet shopping time. It won't be a tack driving bench gun, I just want a good looking, accurate for hunting, not so heavy, effective small game rifle.
 
Originally Posted By: AdamTOriginally Posted By: sandy hicksThe hawkeye predator in 204 would make a nice caliber addition to your collection. Plenty of good factory ammo choices.

I have looked at those also. A little heavier but still not a bull barrel. Kinda the happy median of compromise. The predator is offered in a 22-250 also. Would there be any real performance advantage to it over the 204. I know people that use both and both cartridges seem to be well liked


I have the Hawkeye Predator in 22-250, and I'll tell you right now, the 22-250 will kill coyotes better than a 204 will. I know you'll get some differing opinions on that, but I've used both calibers and base it on what my experiences were. My Ruger Predator is one of my most accurate rifles. I've made some very good shots with it, and my only gripe is the weight of the rifle. But, that's also probably what helps it shoot so well. I would highly recommend it, and I'm a Remington fan.
 
I am a little caliber guy. I shoot a 17 hornet ruger and a mini 14 for yotes, and i prefer small. 204 puts them to the floor. Dont worry one bit, thats a fantastic round!
 


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