The International Rifle

[montanaboy]

Hi everybody,

Hey gang I am seriously considering getting a Model 77 International in .308. I love the way this little rifle looks with its full stock, and speaking of stocks would appreciate some advice as to how a Mannlicher stock would affect accuracy?

I have read several articles on how stocks touching the barrel might well screw things up. I don’t think you can float the barrel on a Mannlicher but don’t know for sure.

Anyone out there have any experience with this rifle?

Please advise and thanks.

 

[Bigboreshooter]

While the RSI's were never intended to be "target" rifles, my experience with them is that they are certainly more than accurate enough for hunting rifles.

My M77RSI in 308 is definitely a 1 MOA rifle if I do my part, which includes letting the barrel cool between shots.

More than "good enough" for field work..... :wink:

 

[Boxhead]

My son's 243 is a sub-1" rifle with 95 gr Partiton's. It has been bedded with the barrel floated to the tip and some trigger work. Looks like my new 7x57 RSI is likely to be one too without any work other than the standard trigger work.

 

[Floridaoutdoors]

Same positive experience with my 30/06 No.1, basic off the general store shelf info.

 

[mike7mm08]

I have heard alot about how terrible internationals shoot. Yet to see one that won't shoot hunting good enough with any random load. With some work they are all capable of 1 1/2" or better. If you want to float them you can. The stock attaches the same as a standard stock. Foreend cap might need a bit of filing and touchup blue but other than that no real problems just a longer barrel channel to possible open up. Buy one find ammo it likes and go kill something with it and don;t worry about the bedding.

 

[dfletcher]

I like mine mostly. The MKII International is like the hot girl of Ruger rifles - just enough a PITA to be a PITA, but not so much that you send her away .... :)

 

[NH Rugerman]

I have a tang safety RSI in 308 I have owned for twenty five or so years....out shoots me...1" at 100 yards with Nosler Partitions...great rifle and super to carry in the NE woods.

I wouldn't sell it...I will leave that to my heirs...

One of Bill Ruger's great decisions IMHO....I really want to find a 30-06 tang safety RSI to make it a set...

 

[slimatsea]

I had a hawkeye RSI in .308 that was exceptionally accurate with Sierra 150 gr RN over IMR3031. I didn't work up a load for that rifle they were left over from a previous 308 I had. They worked so well there was no need for any further development. I've sold or traded about 40 rifles in my life and that is one of the two that I regret the most.

 

[four70nitro]

As always, my advice is that once you acquire one -- shoot it for a while and work up loads and find out what the accuracy potential is BEFORE you begin with any modifications like free-floating or glass bedding or whatever. It may shoot great just the way it comes out of the box and you don't want to go and goof that up by modifying before you've put in a reasonable amount of effort developing a load that shoots well.

The only exception is that trigger work can be done at any time because a good trigger can make a real difference in the way you shoot a rifle even if it doesn't make the rifle shoot any better.

Also, remember that you are really looking for minute-of-deer at reasonable hunting ranges for the cartridge selected and it doesn't need to shoot like a competitive benchrest rifle to be a great hunting rifle. The more accurate the better -- just keep in mind the limitations of a short, light-barreled, full-stock rifle.

Dave

 

[montanaboy]

Just wanted to thank all my forum buddies for answering my question regarding the International.

Lots of good advice... thanks again

 

[Colorado Luckydog]

I smoked my doe this year at 180 yards with my 30.06. Mine is very accurate.