Scoping my first M77 RSI, opinions requested

[NYC_Shooter]

Hey guys, I bought my first, and hopefully not last M77 RSI this past winter and I am just finally getting around to scoping it. It's a 7x57, so I think it's a long action. I am going to put a leupold VX3 on it and I just want to know whether the 1.75-6 or the 2.5-8 fits better. Opinions, please.

Pics are very welcome.

It's a stainless/walnut lipsey's model, by the way. My plan is to order the scope from the custom shop with a gloss finish to match the rifle. I love this rifle and think the extra bucks will be worth it to get a matching combo.

Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[dgoalie]

For me it would be the 2.5-8x36 out your options. Actually I have that rifle and was planning on that scope. That was until I ran across the VX-II Compact 3-9x33 in silver on clearence at Midway. It should be in on Tuesday, so I'll try to post a picture when I mount it. I have a RSI Mark II that wears a Bushnell elite 3200 2-7x32 that seems to be the perfect size to my eye.

 

[Mutt58]

Leupold 1.5 -5x varix3 would be my pick for sure,
would fit that rifle well,a friend has one on his and it works out well,

 

[bigbore45colt]

I save the full size scopes for rifles with barrels longer than 22". On a short rifle like that, I like the compact scopes, they just look better to me. I usually go for Leupold compacts, either VX-IIc or VX-IIIc in 2-7x.

Just my $0.02

BB45C

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Hello,
I have considered this question many times while trying to select the right optics for my M77 RSI's. I simply prefer the 3-9x40 configuration and I am willing to accept the longer overall size that seems to come with this package.

 

[Trey Whitley]

Ended up with the 2.5-8x36 on my Lipsey's 6.5x55 and I think it works well. The 2-7x33 Leupold I started off with fits well also.

I'm not a fan of matching scopes, and instead used matte Ruger rings to match the scope finish.

 

[Klondike Mike]

I put a Weaver 2.5-10X on my Lipseys 250 Savage and I think it's alot of scope for the money. I have a short tube 1.75-6X Loopy Vari-X III on my 308 RLS which admittedly is much better. But for a 1/3 of the price the Weaver is great. Mike

 

[RJ556]

Trey, I'm with you all the way on that. That is one beautiful RSI. I tried in vain for a long time to find one of those in 6.5x55. So I settled for a SS 7x57, which I still think is not a bad choice. I do not want silver optics on any of my guns. I also think Matte black scope and rings look better on a stainless rifle. I use stainless rings, but coat them with Duracoat matte black epoxy finish. I just found a brand new Nikon 1.5x4.5x20 scope on Ebay at a very good price. It works very well on my Lipseys SE RSI. When I get a chance, I will post a pic. RJ

 

[firecaptain]

Either Leupold will do you just fine. I have the 1.75-6 on my RSI No 1. Both Leupy scopes are fine choices.

 

[NYC_Shooter]

Trey, I'm with you all the way on that. That is one beautiful RSI. I tried in vain for a long time to find one of those in 6.5x55. So I settled for a SS 7x57, which I still think is not a bad choice. I do not want silver optics on any of my guns. I also think Matte black scope and rings look better on a stainless rifle. I use stainless rings, but coat them with Duracoat matte black epoxy finish. I just found a brand new Nikon 1.5x4.5x20 scope on Ebay at a very good price. It works very well on my Lipseys SE RSI. When I get a chance, I will post a pic. RJ

I actually originally wanted the 6.5, as well, and ended up with the 7x57 for the same reason you did. I have actually made offers on all the calibers at one time or another but have only ended up with the one, until now. Picked up a .250 this week. Got hosed on the price but I really love these rifles so I just had to have it. After seeing Trey's rifle again, I'm going to put a black scope on it for the time being (probably a leupold 1-4 I have on hand). I did order a custom shop scope in gunmetal grey for another rifle, though, so I am going to wait to scope the 7x57 until I see how that one turns out.

Thanks to everyone who posted. I will update with pics once available.

 

[gjw]

Hi, I had the same problem you faced. I did have a Leupold 3x9 Ultralight on my old style M77RSI. It just didn't have the field of veiw I wanted. I also looked at the 2.5x8, but in the end I picked the VX3, 1.75x6. The scope only weighs 2 more ounces than the untralight, but is a better overall scope IMO. I'm very happy with my choice. BTW, if you mount the scope using standard height rings, you will see the front iron sight, but hey, when you have a deer in the crosshairs, you won't care.

Attached are some pics of my M77 in 7mm-08 with the 1.75x6 mounted on her.

Oh, the total weight of the rifle and scope is 7-7

All the best and good luck!!!!

Greg

 

[3DTESTIFY]

Damn Greg, thats nice!

 

[gjw]

Thanks for the kind words!

Greg

 

[four70nitro]

1.5x5 Leupold would be my choice....

Dave

 

[Tomcatt57]

Wow, Greg... Your rifle sure has nice wood. I wish mine looked like that. Oh yeah, I have a 2X7 Leupold on mine. Works and looks great.
Tomcatt

 

[BB Rvlr]

Glad I ran across this post.

I got my Lipsey's 7x57 RSI out of layaway today. I mounted a Leupold M3 4x on it. I know I'm in the minority as far as thinking a fixed 4x still has merit as an all around scope. The gloss black actually contrasts nicely with the stainless rifle and rings.

The other point I would like to make is boy does that thing feel so nice! Great balance!

Now for the reloading dies and components to load for it... :wink:

 

[Silent Sam]

The VX-III 2.5-8x36 and also the VX-II 2-7x33 fit the long action with little/no extra tube and good eye relief. See Trey's picture. They will also go in low rings, which I prefer especially on the RSI. I am also fan of the Weaver fixed power scopes. At least one I have has a gloss scope.

 

[NYC_Shooter]

Well, I am still waiting for the custom shop scope for the 7x57. In the meantime, I went ahead and set up the .250 Savage with a black matte VX3 in 2.5-8. I think it turned out nice... and judging by the number of guys who came over to compliment the rifle at the range, it seems I am not the only one!

I sighted her in this past weekend and I am extremely impressed with this rifle. Pics below. Keep in mind I haven't been shooting since the mid 90s, so I think it's safe to say the flyers were me, not the rifle. The 3 shots inside the bull are under 1/2". This was not the only time that day that it put more than one shot touching, either. As previously mentioned, this is my first RSI and, based on what I've read on the internet, I was not expecting this thing to shoot this good. Have I mentioned that I'm very happy with this rifle???

 

[RJ556]

I have an KM77RSI in 7x57. I too wanted the 6.5x55, but could not find one. I am happy with the 7x57, it shoots well. I have mine set up with a detachable XS ghost ring receiver sight and that is primarily how I will hunt with it. However, I do want the option of using a scope, if I so desire. So I have set up a Nikon 1.5x4.5x20 in low rings. The scope is matte black finish and I have coated the stainless rings with matte black Duracoat. I would use nothing but a black scope on all of my stainless guns, even if the "silver" scopes offered were a perfect match to the bead blasted finish of my stainless rifles. These RSI's you guys have posted look great. I know mine is a keeper. :wink:

 

[208packinheat]

gjw, nice looking. GREAT wood. My choice would be a Leupold straight tube objective, say 1.5-4 or 5 VX II or III. I agree with the notion of black rings and scope on a SS rifle, just has a nice contrast.

I have a 7X57 and 7mm08 in tang RSIs, but have not and will likely never shoot one of them. I would very much like a 6.5X55 Swede, and just may have to break down and have one :lol:

 

[KurtC]

7x57 with an old school Weaver K4S (stainless steel) with a Post & Crosshair reticle.

 

[RJ556]

Kurt, that's an awesome looking rifle. I love the dark wood with stainless.

 

[mattsbox99]

I just put a Leupold VX3 2.5-8x36 on my Hawkeye 7mm-08 and its a perfect match for the gun, the gloss finish matches the polished bluing and black walnut stock. Its probably the perfect setup for woods whitetail to 300 yard muleys and elk. I have the 2-7x33 on my 6.5x55 'A' and its a great match for that gun as well.

 

[valkrider8]

There is one problem with the RSI's, they are to damn purty to hunt with !! I have one in 7mm-08 that I just can't bring myself to drag over the mountains, through creeks and swamps. It seems I have a tendency to tip over when hunting in these area's. The photo's above could be used in a gun magazine, just gorgeous. Please tell me they are just range guns !! Very,very nice.

 

[KurtC]

There is one problem with the RSI's, they are to damn purty to hunt with !! I have one in 7mm-08 that I just can't bring myself to drag over the mountains, through creeks and swamps. It seems I have a tendency to tip over when hunting in these area's. The photo's above could be used in a gun magazine, just gorgeous. Please tell me they are just range guns !! Very,very nice.

You need to use a cover like this one in the photo. The rifle slides into it, but the sling is exposed for normal carry.