Update to the Ruger 77/357

[ECVMatt]

I decided to add a Leupold FX-II Ultralight to my 77/357 to help with my aging eyes and keep the trim balance of the rifle. Mounting was a breeze and I quickly got some great groups at 50 yards. It was about 110 degrees when I shot these groups, so I was not at my best but pleased none the less. Once sighted in, it was easy to make hits out to 100 yards at will. I managed to take two jackrabbits at about 30 and 75 yards respectively. I was also able to hit an old propane can at 150 yards with only a minor hold over.

It is worthy of note that pistol caliber rifles have a big disparity in zero when switching form one load to another. Once a good load is established, that load should be fired exclusively in the rifle for the most consistent results. It is fine to plink with other ammunition, but you will have to most likely have to figure out your elevation.

All in all I am very happy with the results. The scope fits the purpose of this rifle, has increased my accuracy, and has not disrupted the handling qualities that I enjoy.

I would recommend this set up to folks with age-adjusting vision.

Pics added to prevent this thread from being worthless!

 

[Garandimal]

I decided to add a Leupold FX-II Ultralight to my 77/357 to help with my aging eyes and keep the trim balance of the rifle. Mounting was a breeze and I quickly got some great groups at 50 yards. It was about 110 degrees when I shot these groups, so I was not at my best but pleased none the less. Once sighted in, it was easy to make hits out to 100 yards at will. I managed to take two jackrabbits at about 30 and 75 yards respectively. I was also able to hit an old propane can at 150 yards with only a minor hold over.

It is worthy of note that pistol caliber rifles have a big disparity in zero when switching form one load to another. Once a good load is established, that load should be fired exclusively in the rifle for the most consistent results. It is fine to plink with other ammunition, but you will have to most likely have to figure out your elevation.

All in all I am very happy with the results. The scope fits the purpose of this rifle, has increased my accuracy, and has not disrupted the handling qualities that I enjoy.

I would recommend this set up to folks with age-adjusting vision.

Pics added to prevent this thread from being worthless!

View attachment 926142 View attachment 926143 View attachment 926144 View attachment 926145

Very nice - and good shooting.

Had a VX-1 2-7x33 on mine for a time... but even that robbed the 77/357 of being a Carbine.

So, took a different route - and went w/ an NECG tip-off aperture rear sight and Williams high bead front.

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Some work doin' those groups, though.

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GR

 

[Bwana John]

So, took a different route - and went w/ an NECG tip-off aperture rear sight and Williams high bead front.

View attachment 926159
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I cut off the end of the barrel, drilled and tapped the barrel to add a ramp and hood to regulate the rifle to the NECG rear sight.

Also took out the rear Ruger sight and put in a blank to fill the dovetail.

I've got a wood 77/22 Hornet to change out the plastic stock, but keep bringing the rifle in the boat, which the plastic stock is so much more appropriate for.

 

[Garandimal]

I cut off the end of the barrel, drilled and tapped the barrel to add a ramp and hood to regulate the rifle to the NECG rear sight.

Also took out the rear Ruger sight and put in a blank to fill the dovetail.

I've got a wood 77/22 Hornet to change out the plastic stock, but keep bringing the rifle in the boat, which the plastic stock is so much more appropriate for.

Keep lookin' at the OEM 77/44 walnut stock at MidwayUSA.

And then I see the rifle hidin' in the freezer most of the time.

They are such sweet field carbines.

Take mine everywhere.




GR

 

[Terminatorret]

Just shot my 77/357 this afternoon. 180gr subsonic handloads gave me just under 1" at 50 yards using an old Weaver K3. If I had younger eyes or a more expensive scope, I bet I could shoot MOA at 100 yards.
Yep, I really enjoy my Ruger, too. Sweet carbine.

 

[Garandimal]

Just shot my 77/357 this afternoon. 180gr subsonic handloads gave me just under 1" at 50 yards using an old Weaver K3. If I had younger eyes or a more expensive scope, I bet I could shoot MOA at 100 yards.
Yep, I really enjoy my Ruger, too. Sweet carbine.

I'm itchin' to go the other way.

Have a pile of 158 gr. FM TMJ-FP, FM XTP/HP, and Federal AE JSP stocked for the Ruger BH 6.5".

Also have a pile of 180 gr. XTP bullets and a thermonuclear H110 loading for them.

Soon...




GR

 

[200Apples]

You fellers is crazy!

Who wants to shoot .357 from a rifle-length barrel?

I DO. and I envy those of you who own and shoot these sweet M77/357. I have to launch my .357 Magnum from a Marlin 1894 and a Rossi '92. Bah.

Matt has me thinkin' of scopin' one of them, but then I remember the sage words of either Chuck Hawks or Paco Kelley (I forgot which) - "There's a special place in Hell for those who would scope a lever gun." Hee!

However! I am not adverse to the fine ghost ring or peep as seen on Garandimal's rifle.

Who am I kidding. I might mount a scope using an XS Sights scout rail. They're made for the Marlin, at least.

Either way, I'm glad to hear you have such great results, Matt! and in the heat, too! Phew!

 

[Obturation]

I just got my 77/357 in March and am still working out the configuration I'll settle on. I put a scope on for load development but may 5ake it off one I find what shoots best and see what I can do with it. The 77 series rifles are sweet , compact and handy.
Good shootin'

 

[Garandimal]

You fellers is crazy!

Who wants to shoot .357 from a rifle-length barrel?

I DO. and I envy those of you who own and shoot these sweet M77/357. I have to launch my .357 Magnum from a Marlin 1894 and a Rossi '92. Bah.

Matt has me thinkin' of scopin' one of them, but then I remember the sage words of either Chuck Hawks or Paco Kelley (I forgot which) - "There's a special place in Hell for those who would scope a lever gun." Hee!

However! I am not adverse to the fine ghost ring or peep as seen on Garandimal's rifle.

Who am I kidding. I might mount a scope using an XS Sights scout rail. They're made for the Marlin, at least.

Either way, I'm glad to hear you have such great results, Matt! and in the heat, too! Phew!

Know several folks that live/die by their lever carbines and Federal AE JSP.

A side mount Williams aperture, or even tang mount, would probably be the way to go.

For a fast handling carbine, Magnification - is not your friend.




GR

 

[Bwana John]

Now, if I could get one in 38/44 Bain and Davis. Ruger 77/44 44 mag magazines should work for it

Shouldn't be that hard, anyone know a good Smith for this platform?
I'm not going to let any of the "gunsmiths" in this town do it.

 

[ECVMatt]

I have Paco Kelly's book on leverguns and it is a treasure. My favorite .357 levergun is a Marlin 1894 CP. It is a dream to shoot and handle. It has XS GR sights and I can still shoot it pretty darn good. I tend to use the Ruger as a "truck gun" and wanted to add the scope for a bit more precise shooting. My other .357 rifle is a H&R Trapper. It has the factory irons. My friends and I like to pass that one around at the campsite for informal shooting contests.

There is just something good about a .357 in a rifle.

 

[Bwana John]

I tend to use the Ruger as a "truck gun" and wanted to add the scope for a bit more precise shooting

I like the size and shape of the scope on your 77/357, I have had issues mounting scopes with larger objectives on my 77/22s , some of them need offset rings to get perfect eye relief, and the Ruger offset ring is only available in medium height. The NEGC aperture is my favorite, but my older eyes are needing glass more and more.