Ruger M77 or Remington 700 SPS

[astocks2622]

i am looking for a new hunting rifle for this fall. two that caught my eye are the ruger m77 in 30-06, and the remington 700 sps. i like the looks of the ruger (walnut stock), and that it's shorter and better suited to dense woods. it also has a $50 lower price tag. the remington points slightly better for me, and i like the trigger better. however, i don't like the all matte finish on the gun including the bolt. is there enough performance difference between the ruger and the remington to fork over the extra $50?

 

[Regolith]

Remington is generally considered to be the better gun. More accurate, better options for mounting scopes (no proprietary scope mounts), etc.

If you want a gun that is shorter, has a better trigger, and still costs less, check out the Savage 111. They generally have a 20-22" barrel compared to Remington's 24", they have a decent adjustable trigger, and they're generally considered fairly accurate right out of the box (more accurate than the Ruger by far; it's a toss up between the Remington and the Savage).

Personally, after considering all three, I went with the Remington, mostly because I liked the longer barrel and it felt better in my hands than the other two. Your mileage may vary.

 

[trstafford]

I've hunted with Rugers for many years. They are as fine a hunting rifle as you can get. but, so are Remingtons If you are hunting in the woods the shorter barrel will be noticed when you get tangled in limbs trying to get a shot. What Caliber are they is probably more important than which rifle.

 

[marksman13]

Remington for sure... only not the SPS if you are hunting dense woods. I would go with a standard model 700. Maybe a laminated stock or the plain jane synthetic.

Another rifle you may want to look at is the CZ-550 American. Truly gorgeous guns with a reputation for accuracy.

 

[mlw332]

Remington. I have the 700 SPS in 223 very good gun

 

[SwampWolf]

Though the 700 is a proven design and nice enough, I much prefer the Ruger. I like the three -position safety better than Remington's two- position safety (which leaves the bolt unlocked in the "safe" position, thus subject to being knocked ajar while hunting and unable to fire until the bolt handle is returned to the locked position); I prefer the Ruger's classic configuration (an admittedly subjective opinion) and I have found the Ruger to be accurate, nice handling rifles. $50.00 cheaper and "free" scope rings to boot should cinch the decision for you!

 

[tinroad37e]

I own 3 Ruger M77 models. I have never had a problem, and I don't understand the claim "Rugers aren't accurate." All 3 of mine will put 3 rounds between 1.25" and 1". It seems these days that's not good enough for people. I must warn you on these forums, some people who give you advice know nothing about the product. They will repeat "hear-say" information their brother-in-law heard from their co-worker's friend.

 

[GunDoctor]

trust me...get the Remington