Ruger M77 International in .257 Roberts

[fastpat]

I was just over on the Ruger web site and found that they did a run of M77 Internationals (Mannlicher stock) with stainless long actions in .257 Roberts apparently as an exclusive for a Distributor.

Anyone know about these or have one? This is one of my favorite calibers.

 

[steveno]

Ruger also made some #1A's in 257 Roberts wood and sst.

 

[MinScout]

Don't know anything about the Roberts, but the rifle looks interesting.

 

[fastpat]

I've had one of the original Ruger M77's chambered for .257 roberts built in the early 1970's. A "round top model" with 24 inch barrel and iron sights. An unusual combination. That rifle was a tack driver from day one with handloads. I could load the longer bullets just short of the rifling lands, which gave a great deal additional room for powder without excessive pressure.

For a while Ruger chambered their short action with a 22 inch barrel in this caliber, but now appear to be building the rifle, though still with a 22 inch barrel, on their long action. That's a much better length action to use for handloaders.

The short RSI M77 is intriguing in that while it has a short barrel, it's on the long action with the benefits that gives.

Obviously, I'm going to have to track down one of these rifles. It's for my own well being, of course.

 

[Moserak]

Yes, I own one...

Fastpat, I own one of these Ruger stainless steel bolts in .257 Roberts. It was tracked down for me by my father who used to be a gunsmith before retirement. As he told me, there was a run of 200-250 of these, but since they flew off the rack, Ruger put out another run. I am not sure if they did the second run or have I read documentation of the release numbers...only word of mouth. The rife itself is a keeper, fun to shoot and very accurate. It works well up here in Alaska on blacktail and love the feel of it. I have not seen any on the classified websites, if you see one, grab it.

 

[fastpat]

Thanks, Moserak. I still haven't located one, but I check periodically.

 

[Maverick223]

I have to say my first thought was: ewww, a SS in a Mannlicher...but after seeing the photo posted by MinScout (3yrs ago) I kind of like it. Still not a big fan of the .25cals, but the rifle sure does look nice, and one in 6.5x55mmSwede or 7mm-08Rem. sure sounds handy.

 

[fastpat]

I saw a M77 RSI in 7mm-08 on Gunbroker a couple of hours ago. Naturally, the gun store that has it thinks pretty well of it, based on their starting price.
Ruger 77 Mark II International 7mm-08, they say they have four in stock.

The .257 Roberts is probably the ideal use of the 7mm Mauser case capacity, certainly the very popular .25-06 is way overbore.

 

[Maverick223]

I saw a M77 RSI in 7mm-08 on Gunbroker a couple of hours ago. Naturally, the gun store that has it thinks pretty well of it, based on their starting price.

Looks like they may get to keep all four of them for some time...at least if I have anything to do with it. I'd say half that sounds about right. I appreciate the link though.

The .257 Roberts is probably the ideal use of the 7mm Mauser case capacity, certainly the very popular .25-06 is way overbore.

I agree with you there, I just don't care for any .25cal. because I reload, and there are too few bullet choices. That doesn't discount its usefulness, or in any way mean that you shouldn't buy one...just not my cup'o-tea.

 

[Moserak]

Maverick...I understand about the caliber of .257 R

M, I would not want to reload this caliber either. It was more of liking the configuration of the rifle, the steel stood up to rainy country, the wood feels good in your hand, and Ruger was doing something unique. I do keep a M77 06 synthetic, good utility, and an 7mm-08 Win for large hunting. The Roberts works well for deer and I do not use it as a plinker. That would be pricey. All are great cartridges, have a good season.

 

[kaferhaus]

Not a fan of the RSI rifles, I've had several and all were poor shooters even with hand loads. BUT I love the 257 Bob. It was pretty much put to pasture by the 243 and 25-06. The 243 is more accurate due to it's case design and the 06 is a screamer.

I have a Remington 700 CDL chambered in the 257 Roberts that replaced the old Mauser I had for 30yrs in the same caliber.

It's accurate enough, mild recoiling and works on varmints and deer with the available 75-120gr pills.

Factory ammo is expensive and in my opinion sub standard in accuracy. So it's really a hand loaders rifle to get the best it has to offer.

 

[Maverick223]

All are great cartridges, have a good season.

Yes they are, and whilst I may not be their biggest proponent, i'll not claim that they can't get the job done, and do so with efficiency (something lost on many of the overbore screaming magnums that seem to be so popular today). Same to you, Moserak.

 

[jerkface11]

.257 doesn't have enough bullet choices? Compared to what?

 

[Maverick223]

.257 doesn't have enough bullet choices? Compared to what?

Anything near its diameter...the 6mm or the 6.5mm...or the .223cal., 7mm, .308cal., et cetera. Bullet choices are not its strong suit, it simply is not as popular as the aforementioned bullet diameters. That doesn't discounts the rounds abilities, it just means that I like others (like the 6.5x55mmSwede or .260Rem.) better.

 

[jerkface11]

Have you looked at the bullet choices? You can have anything from 75gr to 120gr not that you need anything that isn't a 100gr bullet in a 25 cal.

 

[jmfc606]

These rifles were/are produced for the distributor Lipseys. several calibers have been done already including the 7mm-08, 6.5x55,and the .257 Robts. Collectors ar hungrily awaiting the next one rumored to be the .250 savage. Lipseys also did the same configuation and calibers for the 1A light sporter. Hope this helps the original poster.

Joe

 

[Maverick223]

Have you looked at the bullet choices? You can have anything from 75gr to 120gr not that you need anything that isn't a 100gr bullet in a 25 cal.

Yes (though not recently), the range of weight was not the problem, but the selection. Move up or down a quarter mm, and there is all one could hope for. Again, there is nothing wrong with the cartridge, its just not my choice. OTOH, I am really liking the SS Mannlicher.