Is this worthy platform to build up

[Stevemopa]

I have a Ruger M77 in .243win that I inherited when my father passed away. It was his deer rifle and it shoots well enough for that purpose. I'm interested in a precision LR rifle and I haven't read anything about rigs based on a Ruger action. Before I spend money on a barrel,stock,trigger,etc. I would appreciate any opinions on whether this is a good idea or not. Thanks in advance for all the info I've gleamed from this site.

Steve

 

[desertHK]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

First, you must establish what your budget will be for this "precision LR rifle". The reason is you can get out of control very quickly. The old saying in this hobby is "crack cocaine is cheaper than this hobby". Also, you need to know how far you want to push this LR, in terms of actual distance. Is it going to be 1000 yards and less, or more. Also, is it purely for slaying paper and metal gong, or also for hunting purposes?

Having said that, the 243 cartridge is a fine cartridge for long range. It offer some very high BC bullets for a short action. You can just about take any action, well almost any, and the other of components and give them to a good gunsmith and he may be able to give you a good rifle for punching paper. The only drawback to the Ruger action is probably the lack abundant of aftermarket parts to make it the way you want. If you want to drop a large budget for this purpose, then may I suggest going with either a custom, or a high end rifle. Remember that this can be a very expensive science experiment.
Hope that helps.

 

[Stevemopa]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

Thanks for the reply DesertHK, I was thinking that the lack of aftermarket support for the Ruger would limit my options. My budget plan for the rifle is to try to keep it under $2500 including optics. I'm sure that figure is subject to change. I am looking for a rifle that will shoot well out to a max of 1000yds but I'm limited to 400-600yds at my friends farm, living on the east coast kinda sux. I will use this rifle primarily as a paper/gong shooter.

Steve

 

[Terry Cross]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

Steve,

Just something to think about. . . .

Don't do anything to the rifle except clean it up and hunt with it occaisionally.

Regardless of what make and caliber it is, the rifle still has value without changing a thing. Try to consider that as you get older, having something from your Dad, be it a tool, rifle or instrument, will mean more to you and to any children you may have.

I have seen a couple of friends each take a firearm that their dad passed to them and then change it into a totally different animal that resembled nothing close to what their dads used. Only thing in common with the original gun was the serial number. When they or their kids look at that gun now they sure don't think back to Dad or Grand Dad.

Not saying "Don't". Just suggesting that you consider it twice. Once you start chopping, grinding and adding, you will never get it back to it's original condition with scratches, wear and dings that your dad put on it while using it.

Good luck either way.

Terry

 

[shane45]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

Sage words.........

 

[Halfnutz]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

+1 on the think hard before you modify it.
The Rugers are kinda short on aftermarket support, you can learn the basics with what you have now. Save your money and buy or build something on a better supported platform. (Remington,Savage, etc.)

 

[Stevemopa]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

Yes, the sentimental value of the rifle is justified. However, it was not the only gun I inherited. He loved his antique weapons, especially Colt single actions and Winchester lever rifles, I will never sell any of them as I promised him before he passed away. That said, I will leave the .243 alone and start from scratch. Maybe a 6.5mm?

 

[darrenk75b]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

Now you're thinking...

 

[trigger time]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

Terry, you beat me to it. A big plus one on that. I have my Granddads old 742 woods master that will always be one of my favorites. If I ever get around to building my mesquite shadow box for it, it will reside over my mantel.

 

[Stevemopa]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

I really don't know what I was thinking other than I shot some of my reloads in it yesterday and wasn't really impressed with the results. I became a grandfather this past June of a baby boy and perhaps he'll become interested in hunting. It would be cool to give him a rifle that was his great grandpas'. Thanks for the wise advice guys.

Steve

 

[darrenk75b]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

I just gave my son a rifle that was my grandfathers. Cool doesn't begin to explain it.

 

[awp762]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

Well said Terry! When my son started shooting i started him off with his grandfathers single shot .22 that his grandfather used in the boyscouts for his merit badge.

My daughter has started to express interest in shooting & she will also start off on this one.

This rifle will be a cherished memory for all of us.

Stevemopa, glad you decided to keep it the way you received it & congrats on becoming a grandfather!

 

[Stevemopa]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

Wow, I have a Winchester Model 67 single shot .22 that was my first rifle. My father said it was handed down from his father(my grandfather) who got it as a youngster shooting in the Boy Scouts. I'm going to take to the range next trip, I haven't shot it in probably 30yrs. You have to pull the knob back on the bolt to cock it...LOL. Good times

Steve

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

M77's are tough to settle in a stock right, and the triggers are a pain.

Keep it in the form it is for what it is, and a great shooting 600yd stick with scope is very doable in your budget all by itself.

 

[Hummer]

Re: Is this worthy platform to build up

77s are good hunting rifles, they are strong but as others point out you kind of have to "dance with what you brung" (Southern Terminology)

I have two 77s at this writing one is a prototype 77 made by Ruger for the RCMP with 26" barrel (458 Mag contour) and all brown laminated stock and drilled and tapped for a Central rear sight base. Ruger wanted me to evaluate it at long range and I did and afterwards bought it.

The other is a 77 Stainless NIB in 260. I took a custom trigger off another before I sold it and put it on this one. Also has a laminated stock. Have not even shot it yet.

The other 260 I had did not shoot well until I lapped the lugs and then it settled down. Prior to that it shot horizontal groups.

I would go with a Mod 70 action first choice and then a 700 action second choice.