[WMBIGS]

Hi all, I found an M77 in 338wm. The serial number indicates it was built in 1981. The Ruger web site splits the run dates into two groups. 68-84 and 85-92. Is there a difference between the two? One better than the other? I am happy with my later version chambered in 270win.

A friend is going to borrow a 338wm for me to shoot before I get this one. I don't want it if I am going to be afraid to shoot it.

Thanks, MikeB

[rfc357]

Nothing wrong with the older guns.

[okami515]

the big differance that I have found is the safety location, it was switched from a tang style safety to a more traditional side mount. both are good strong rifles.

[WMBIGS]

Quote:       Originally Posted by okami515

the big differance that I have found is the safety location, it was switched from a tang style safety to a more traditional side mount. both are good strong rifles.

Both series have the tang style safety. It was the MarkII that had the side mounted safety.

[forestgleaner]

I have had several rugers, and loved all but one. The 338 win mag, was a spectacular shooter for a large gun. the recoil was very easy to handle, and to me, much nicer than 7mm mag that I had in a brownig a bolt. I had bought the rifle from a man that hand loaded, and he loaded them hot. I also shot factory ammo, and both grouped fine. The only ruger I had in the new verson mkII, was a 22-250. it was the heavy barreled laminated stock, and should have shot great little tight groups. After owning if for two years, and trying every ammo I could find, I sold the gun, it never did shoot well. It shot ok, but not tighter than 3 inches at a hundred yards.
Given the choice, I would buy the older version every time. I have a 270, and it shoots fantastic. would not mind takeing it just about anywhere. I hope to one day find a nice 338 like the one I had to sell.

[dgr416]

Dont be afraid to shoot that 338 win mag.I have hunted with one for 20 years.I have taken 95 deer ,hogs and bears with it.I have 10 of those guns in the 338 Win mag.They all will shoot 1"groups or less.I have shot 3/8" at 100 yards and 3/4" at 200 yards.I shoot those old rugers like fine double barrels.You can pull the trigger and safety at the same time.If you shoot 200 gr bullets on deer its awesome.Get a past pad it reduces the recoil.It kicks like heavy dove loads in a 12 ga.Add a good recoil pad to it.I shoot mine off a standing bench off of milk crates on top of the bench with a 60 pound bull bag.I have shjot two of my 338s 300 times in one day.You can shoot that gun give it a try.

[samuel]

No one can tell you what your limitations are when it comes ro recoil.If it hurts you to fire a certain firearm it is foolish to endure the pain just so you can say "I SHOOT A BIG BOOMER THAT BRUISES ME EVERYTIME I FIRE IT".Some people can stand to get punched in the nose but I dont like it and try to find someone that cant hit very hard if I decide I just have to have it done.There are lots of cartridges out there even in the .33cal.range that have lighter recoil and still get the job done when used in their perspective range.Dont listen to someone bragging about how tough they are,buy a firearm that you can handle and does what you personally like.Dont buy something that is going to beat you up just because someone else says it doesnt bother them to get beat up.In the first place you never actually saw them do what they claim.You only read about it. sam.

[nathangdad]

The recoil and muzzle blast of a .338 is beyond all common sense to endure. Few people can ever shoot this caliber enough to get proficient with gun and caliber therefore being more apt to miss the target when hunting. The .338 will definitely cause flinch in most humans. I recommend you stay with what you have and practice bullet placement which is what really counts in hunting. Otherwise, the quality of Ruger guns just keeps on and keeps on . . . . . .

[WMBIGS]

Thanks all, I found a Winchester 70 in 300wm and Reddfield fixed power scope. The Ruger had a low end cheapie that I would have taken off. So the 300 got the nod. If the Ruger is still available this summer, I may pick it up.