IMI Timberwolf or Ruger 77/357

[JT'sDad]

I currently have an I.M.I. Timberwolf in 357mag. I have it about 5 years, given to me by Gramps. Great gun, shoots anything I have fed it 38 or 357. Because it was new unfired when I got it I tend to shoot it, clean it, and put it back in the safe. I think it is too nice to take it out pig hunting. I am very interested in the new Ruger 77/357 bolt action in 357mag. I like the 5 round mag idea, the light weight and short barrel. Being synthetic and SS I would not be afraid to take it out in the field. I currently hunt with my 20ga 870 with rifled slugs.
Couple things for you to know; I had a Marlin 1894CS in 357mag and a Ruger 96/22M. I am a lefty and I do not like lever actions- just my preference- so do not recommend a lever action. I also have a Ruger revolver in 357mag so I am keeping it simple- Do not recommend another caliber.
So..knowing I could sell the Timberwolf for a pretty penny...do I keep it..or sell it and buy the 77/357? No chance of having them both in this economy.
Would love to hear from folks with the 77/357.

 

[rule303]

You will kick yourself later if you sell the Timberwolf. Use it, the scratches you put on it now will bring back happy memories later.

 

[splithoof]

I have hoped for a long time that some manufacturer would produce something close to the I.M.I. Timberwolf, but to no avail. Like was said above, if you sell it, you will likely regret it soon after. Not many gun folks have the chance to own one such as you have, let alone one that was brand new. Save up for a time, then buy the Ruger.

 

[goon]

Timberwolves are kinda rare. You could carefully use it while you save your pennies for the Ruger.

 

[FSJeeper]

I totally agree with Rule303. You will absolutely regret selling the Timberwolf. If I were you I would use it to your hearts content and enjoy it the way your grandfather wished you to.

Besides that, I would take the Timberwolf over the Ruger for hog hunting any day. Those fast follow-up shots might be needed and the Ruger can never touch the Timberwolf in that department.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

Agreed! I wish someone would make the Timberwolf again. As for YOUR decision, if you already think it's "too nice" to use hunting pigs, then there's your answer. Is there no CAS-type pump gun (Colt Lighting repro?) chambered for the .357? I handled two Umberti Lighting Reproductions in .45 Colt (a rifle & a carbine) recently. They were smooth & sweet. I'm thinking about one just for fun.

 

[Beagle-zebub]

Yeah, I'm with everyone else here. I would just add that if I'd been in your personal presence when you asked this question, I would have clopped you over the head, for your own good.

I know it feels wrong, but reconsider the idea that a gun like a Timberwolf is too nice to take hoggin'. For decades people went fowling with guns like the Winchester Model 12; if you make sure that the thing gets clean after field use, everything should stay dandy.

 

[splithoof]

There are indeed reproduction rifles/carbines like the old Colt Lightning. I however would like to see something in stainless with a folding composite stock, optics/light rail, and 16" barrel. A tubular magazine holding nine to ten rounds would be very good, as there would be no detachable magazines to loose. Ghost ring sights and three sling points would round it out.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Debating getting rid of a gun Gramps gave you? That's wrong from the get go!

As for the 77/357...well, you do know it's only available in a right hand bolt. If it works for you though, I'd certainly go for one but in no way would it come at the expense of the Timberwolf.

 

[Ghost Tracker]

The Lightning Reproductions I saw DID have tubular mags & the carbine has a 16" barrel. The rest will have to come with the popularity of the re-born Colt Lightning .45 TACTICAL RIFLE. I'd buy one in a second!

 

[CaliCoastie]

Given the rifle from your grandfather, is a timberwolf, and the gun you want is the same caliber? Keep your rifle, phases it down to your kids, from your grandfather.

 

[JT'sDad]

Gentlemen- I appreciate the feedback. I have been kicking the idea around the last few weeks. Good to get input.

 

[nipprdog]

Given the rifle from your grandfather, is a timberwolf, and the gun you want is the same caliber? Keep your rifle, phases it down to your kids, from your grandfather.

Agreed. It's not about safe queen, or sratches, or profit. It's about family. Hunt with it. Teach your kids to hunt with it. Pass it on.

Btw, I got to drool over one of those at a LGS a few years ago. Very nice.