Aldeer.com Forums Alabama Deer Talk Guns N Gear Ruger rifles

Kicking around the idea of getting another rifle. Thinking about a 7mm PRC. What are y'all's thoughts about the Ruger American vs the M77 Hawkeye? Is the Hawkeye worth the extra money?

I have the old M77 Mark II in .30-06 and love it. Never owned an American or the Hawkeye.

Both are good shooters but the m77 is definitely a better built rifle. I am a firm believer in not having to make this decision so I would just buy both.

There is no other logical solution. Must buy both.

😂 I will probably get a Ruger American predator in 6.5 CM for my grandson that is due to be born early November. And then go with the M77 in 7 PRC for me. Yeah that sounds good 🤣

I have two Ruger rifles, both are good enough shooters accuracy wise, but not great shooters. One is an old M77 Tanger 7x57, the other is a M77 Hawkeye 257 Roberts. I can get MOA accuracy out of both but not any better, and both can be finicky with bullet selection and powder charge.

So I am partial to the M77s not because they are top performers. I mean my .06 does fine for what I use it for. That was just the first rifle I bought brand new. Freshman of high school, worked all summer, had some cash and my grandfather had 3 boat paddle M77s and that is who I hunted with. ( my dad was a city boy from Pensacola) so I bought a new boat paddle M77 and hunted with it all my life. I've had a few other rifles that shot a little better but I always seem to gravitate back to that one. I actually traded it to deadeye a few years ago on a wild hair. He put a Boyd's laminated stock on it and sent me a pic of it and I almost cried. He then traded it back to me a few months later 🤣 funny how things work out.

So looking at my situation, what rifle in that price range would you choose? I'm a wood and stainless/blued guy. Not much on the composite stuff anymore.

i got a m77 in 7mag i never use any more but itll out shoot any rifle i had .

If you can afford it, def go with the M77. Not that there’s anything wrong with the American, they’re just in a different class when it comes to build quality

77 is better built but the American will probably be more accurate.

I've always liked the M77MkII. My son, a good friend and I have GSRs (total of 4). They are all great shooters and feed and function great. You'll need to work on the trigger if you like a clean, light pull. Current Ruger barrels are usually very good.

Get the Hawkeye. They are a fine rifle.

These days, if I'm looking for wood stocks and blued steel I'm looking for a Winchester M70. If you can find a used M70 Clsssic Super Grade, they made some accurate rifles with fine wood at the old factory in New Haven.

I got a M77 in .270. Made in the 1980s. It was my dad’s and it is a very fine rifle. Every deer that was on the wrong on of that gun ended up at the processor. But I get wanting something new. I’m getting that same itch for a new shotgun.

I have both. M77 mark2 that was the first rifle I bought, and one of the first Americans they came out with. I tend to grab the American more than the other, mainly due to not wanting to bang up a pretty gun.

The American is going to shoot better but given the choice between the 2 I'd go with the Hawkeye it's just a nicer rifle all around.

You have to come to terms with the fact that when there was a race to see who could make the cheapest gun shoot the best.... Ruger won over Tikka.

Thanks for your input. Was hoping you would chime in. I know you are a fan but f the Ruger Americans.

Why can’t Ruger make their nice rifle shoot as good as their budget riffle?

That's a good question.

ill guess he meant as for cheaper rifles ruger is better . i dont think he meant budget rifles shot better than the nicer ones . just a guess???

Naw, he literally meant the cheap ass Tupperware stocked Ruger American will outshoot the Hawkeye M77 seven days a week and twice on Sundays. It doesn’t make good sense.