M77 AVAILABILITY and FEATURES

[johnny56]

I am thinking about adding a M77 in .223 to my collection for varmit shooting and range shooting, since I have lots of ammo left over from my sold SR556. When I check the Ruger site for availability, every rifle on the site, not just the "evil" .223's, shows as not being available. Has Ruger stopped production or is the site just boogered up?
Also, I am not at all familiar with the magazines used with this type of rifle. Are they easy to use in the field and how are they to use for fast firing drills?
Another thing I was looking for was a good scope for long distance shooting (300 yds+) and do you think .223 is a good caliber for this range shooting?
I am somewhat new to firearms, so please share your experience. Thanks!

 

[leon670]

I have noticed that many who are new to shooting and when they buy a rifle, they are deeply concerned about its' long range (300 yards +) performance. My advice would be to learn to shoot well offhand at 50-100 yards and you will be a far more effective rifleman than you will shooting from a bench at 3-500. Don't worry about fast firing drills until you can shoot very well, slowly. I don't see any point in fast firing drills at all for the hunter.

 

[johnny56]

I have noticed that many who are new to shooting and when they buy a rifle, they are deeply concerned about its' long range (300 yards +) performance. My advice would be to learn to shoot well offhand at 50-100 yards and you will be a far more effective rifleman than you will shooting from a bench at 3-500. Don't worry about fast firing drills until you can shoot very well, slowly. I don't see any point in fast firing drills at all for the hunter.

Great advice and points well taken! I come from an urban world and the true sport and hunting aspect of firearms is new to me. I have a Gunsite Scout and I agree with the advice on range distances. I am pretty good with the iron at 50 yrds and right on the money with the scope at 100. My whole approach to the guns I own is to learn the fundamentals of their use properly and in the spirit the gun was made in. I also did some investigation on the magazine and the type of rifle mentioned here and see that it is a true hunting rifle, which is what I am looking for. I sold my AR earlier this year as I realize that I enjoy the hunting/target shooting aspect much more than the tactical aspect. I have handguns for that and have worked very hard on them at proper range. Thanks again for the good advice. I'm heading to the LGS to see about ordering a Hawkeye in .223.

 

[leon670]

You'll love the Hawkeye. I just bought one last month. It's a well-balanced and well designed rifle.
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