Model 77 African in .223?

[Major T]

I am in the market for a medium weight .223 (a good many ctgs on hand and only a T/C 16.25 carbine to ignite them.) I ran across this model, like the looks and it fits my criteria of weight, max 9" twist, wood, and steel. Anyone tried one of these or even a similar weight (7.75# catalogued) Ruger 77 lately- in this caliber. I am also considering the same model in (probable) 9.3. With enough confidence in these two, I would shop my Blaser 93 (.22-250 and .270) and see what it might bring. I Like it, but barrels alone have become more pricey than the Ruger- then there are the $400 scope mounts-ENOUGH! I have a few other rifles in calibers from .218 Bee through .30-06 and 7 mag. Feedback Please, Thanks Jack

 

[Major T]

O K Folks, Help me out here. The 77 Predator is about the same profile in SS with an inch shorter bbl and a laminate stock. How do they work out accuracy wise? Thanks, Jack

 

[redrider]

I have a standard weight mod. 77 Hawkeye stainless synthetic, it shoots remington 55gr yellow box into 7/8 inch, PPU into 1 1/4 inch and Hornady 55gr\Win 748 into 1/2 inch. I've had the rifle 4 months and taken 3 hogs with it. The only compaint would be with the way the magazine is blocked off for the short 223 shells, makes it a little aquard loading. I would buy the same rifle if I had it to do over again. Good luck on your quest.

 

[Major T]

redrider, I like your name and many thanks for the input. I knew someone, somewhere had a .223 Model 77. Best wishes, Jack

 

[rangerbob]

Redrider, the .223 African Hawkeye caught my attention too. They're a little pricy at $720 dealer cost, but I see it as a training rifle for, say, the 9.3, 375, or 338. It's probably a fine little rifle in its own right and comes with rings. They are available as we speak, the 9.3's may be a while. Bob!

 

[hawk_driver]

I will agree with redrider on the magazine block. I have a 223 MK II, and loading it while not looking right in the mag, can be a little akward.

 

[Major T]

Thanks folks. I will be sure to look at the magazine block before I buy. I have the same thing in a matched pair of Browning small ring Mausers in .243 and .308 from the 60s. They were done in such a manner that they have never been an issue other than the action is about 1/2" inch longer than it needed to be. The bolt stop stops the bolt just clear of the usable space. If you recall, hardly anyone other than Remington and Sako had more than one size action back when. I still recall new model 70s on the rack with a .22 Hornet chambering. A store in Abilene, TX had three and said no one wanted them. If foresight was what it could have been...... Thanks again. Jack

 

[gatling]

Wow, I want one. If there's anyone out there who has one in stock with above average wood, please PM me.

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

FYI, Before the Mark II's went away, Ruger built approximately 100 Synthetic stocked stainless steel RS(!) 77 MKII's..........Point like a dream. I bought five and never regretted it...........Prior to that build, all we ever heard is "We cannot place sights on thise rifles, especially the 223.......

 

[Major T]

Gentlemen, I looked at a Hawkeye sporter in .223 today. Ruger could have done a better (smoother) job with the magazine follower and the magazine block, just as you said. It may take a little smithing, but the ease of loading can definately be improved. My initial thought is to get another follower and splice an extra .4-.5 to the rear of the existing one and then take the block back to level with the bolt. Sounds simple, may not work out that way? Thanks for the heads up. Im shopping. I may want to look at the new CZ without the external magazine. Thanks, Jack