Joe Meyer
Member
I'm thinking of getting a new rifle in 30-06. The Winchester M70 or Ruger's MII M77.Your pros and cons, please.
Thanks, Joe
Thanks, Joe
Winchester M70 vs Ruger MII M77
- Thread starter Joe Meyer
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rbernie
Contributing Member
Win70 uses a forged receiver; the Ruger is cast. The Win70 trigger is generally a bit nicer. Between the two, I favor the Win70.
ECVMatt
Member
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- 2,873
I much prefer the Rugers...
I have both and find the Rugers are more accurate and simpler in design. I have several Rugers and all shoot great and have not given me any problems in the field. I spent 14 days in AK hunting, rafting, and thinking about what I want in rifle and the Ruger is pretty much it. I really like the safety on the Ruger which is extreamly simple and when in full safe postition actually blocks the firing pin from moving. I also install a Timney trigger and once installed have not found a better trigger pull on any other make rifles. I have one Winchester left (a 30/06) and am going to trade it out for a Ruger when I get the chance.
Winchesters are a nicer rifle overall with much better fit and finish than the Ruger. I have found that the push feeds tend to shoot better than the claw or pre '64 model type rifles. I would look for the new controlled round push feed (??) model if you are set on a Winchester.
I also have Remington 700's as well. They are great shooter and you might want to look into them as well.
Some many rifles..I guess it make life fun.
Matt
I have both and find the Rugers are more accurate and simpler in design. I have several Rugers and all shoot great and have not given me any problems in the field. I spent 14 days in AK hunting, rafting, and thinking about what I want in rifle and the Ruger is pretty much it. I really like the safety on the Ruger which is extreamly simple and when in full safe postition actually blocks the firing pin from moving. I also install a Timney trigger and once installed have not found a better trigger pull on any other make rifles. I have one Winchester left (a 30/06) and am going to trade it out for a Ruger when I get the chance.
Winchesters are a nicer rifle overall with much better fit and finish than the Ruger. I have found that the push feeds tend to shoot better than the claw or pre '64 model type rifles. I would look for the new controlled round push feed (??) model if you are set on a Winchester.
I also have Remington 700's as well. They are great shooter and you might want to look into them as well.
Some many rifles..I guess it make life fun.
Matt
I would buy the Winchester Model 70. The original Rugers had a tang mounted safety, I believe. The M-70 has long had the 3-position safety that's by far my favorite on bolt action rifles. Simple trigger mechanism too, & every decent gunsmith around knows how to adjust it. Pay your money, take your choice- but for another bolt action rifle, between those two my $$ would go for a Model 70.
medic_guns
Member
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2003
- Messages
- 335
Go for the Winchester. I picked up a model 70, 30-06, for 240 cash out the door. It is perfect. Look all around in pawn shops right now. Deer slayer rigs are REAL cheap.
RIc
RIc
Sharps Shooter
Member
I have both (in different calibers) and as far as dependability, accuracy, or anything that REALLY matters goes, I'd have a hard time choosing. The trigger of a Model 70 is easy to adjust as someone already mentioned. But the Ruger 77 comes with scope rings and the bases are built in. I'd choose a Model 70, but I have to admit it would be a purely personal choice - I just like the looks and feel of a Model 70 better. 
Functionally, either works fine. The M70 tends to be a bit smoother and have nicer polishing and finish and better factory trigger, while the Ruger might be cheaper and, lately, more accurate. The Ruger absolutely needs a trigger job, while the Winchester might struggle along with it as it comes from the box. (You can't get Ruger's accuracy without fixing ther awful trigger.)
Jaywalker
Jaywalker
texagun
Member
I had a Ruger M77 in .30-06. It was a nice rifle but nothing outstanding about it. I sold it and bought a Winchester Model 70 Classic Lightweight and have been so happy with it, I bought another one. It is now my favorite rifle. I like it better than my Sako, primarily because of its lighter weight. My 2nd choice would be the Remington 700 BDL which should also deserve consideration. I favor the Winchester for its Controlled Feed, massive extractor, easily adjustable trigger, accuracy, and good looks. After all, its the "Rifleman's Rifle"...right?
Art Eatman
Moderator In Memoriam
Which one fits you better? Things like length of pull, cast-off, or drop of the comb--that sort of stuff. Some is fixable, of course, particularly the length of pull.
They're gonna be about equal as to capability for decent groups. So, which one is more aesthetically pleasing? A rifle is gonna last a lifetime, so some relatively minor difference in cost isn't all that big a deal.
Since you're talking .30-'06, whichever has the longer barrel is gonna give better overall results. You can figure around 75 ft/sec/inch.
Triggers? A competent gunsmith can "sweeten" most any of them, although I'm a Devout Believer in Mr. Canjar's "snap a glass rod" product. And, the Timney I installed on my 77 Mk II isn't bad.
, Art
They're gonna be about equal as to capability for decent groups. So, which one is more aesthetically pleasing? A rifle is gonna last a lifetime, so some relatively minor difference in cost isn't all that big a deal.
Since you're talking .30-'06, whichever has the longer barrel is gonna give better overall results. You can figure around 75 ft/sec/inch.
Triggers? A competent gunsmith can "sweeten" most any of them, although I'm a Devout Believer in Mr. Canjar's "snap a glass rod" product. And, the Timney I installed on my 77 Mk II isn't bad.
, ArtJoe Meyer
Member
Thanks, guys I gess I'll go with the Winchester M70.
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