To the Head of the Line | A Ruger M77 in 7x57 Mauser Receives Priority

An unposted video from awhile back - October, 2021...a Ruger M77 gun show find.
I had been keeping my eyes open for a 7x57 to go along with my assortment of tang safety Ruger M77 rifles. This one was available from a friend that has several tables of very nice firearms at most of the Michigan gun shows.
The rifle is reminiscent of the first centerfire rifle that I had experience with in the early 1980's.

[@russellkeeling9712]

I came across an M77/270. I had it re-barreled to a 7x57. I actually had it stamped .275 Rigby. I put a 24 inch Shilen barrel and express sights with a banded front sight. I couldn't afford a 1/4 rib. It shoots like a dream.

[@WilliamCChapin]

That sounds like a fun rifle, Russell!

[@markcarew6724]

There were some Ruger #1 rifles chambered and barrel stamped as 275 Rigby. Nice touch on your rifle.

[@WilliamCChapin]

They offered the 77RSI International and 77 African with the Rigby chambering as well. I agree…that’s a classy touch! 👍

[@luvtahandload7692]

Fantastic you dog you! 😊

[@222triple]

I bought a new off the rack Ruger 77 7x57 9/73. Late 73 and a lot of 74’ I did a lot of bench work with that rifle. My second center fire rifle. First is a Rem 788 in 222 Rem 9/72’. If you look at both cases the 222 looks like a miniature 7x57. So going through available powders snd bullets that were available 50 years ago is much more limited than today. I settled on IMR 4350 and Speer 145 BTSP. I was holding around an inch with factory trigger and Leupold M8 4x scope. Talking with Chet Brown and Lee Six in Chet’s garage circa 74’-75’ I wanted to see if the 7x could be used as a varmint rifle to extend range out from what the 222 could do. It was good to about 350 yards. Chet said if it was for longer range and not deer hunting a 6mm barrel with the 1-12 twist of the .244 Rem that lost favor to the .243 Win. Well that project took a few years as Stew Harvey a gunsmith and Benchrest shooter ( these guys all shot the bench matches together back in the 70’s) got the Shilen barrel and reamer but was in the process of moving to Sacramento. Took awhile for him to get moved and sort back through everything and get to my project. I was swapping the 6& 7 barrels back and forth for about 10-12 years when Remington came out with their 7x57 in a 700 action in Mountain Rifle form. I just seated back my loaded rounds to factory specs paced off a hundred yards and shot five rounds off the hood of my car

[@aberhan]

I have a Ruger M77 in 257 Roberts. Tang safety, no problems. Great rifle, great cartridge. Would love to have a 7x57 Mauser.

[@WilliamCChapin]

There are several tang safety and flat bolt models in my collection. I’d like a .257 Roberts, and the 6.5x55 is the one I’d really like. 🙂 Keep an eye out for upcoming videos with family heirlooms in .270 Winchester and 7mm Remington Magnum. Thanks for the note.

[@Bones6987]

Great caliber Wonderful rifle You should try the tape marking way to check the twist rate One piece of painters blue tape folded over upon itself around the cleaning rod Then once it makes a complete revolution stop and measure how much it traveled forward And it’s really easy to watch to make sure it’s actually rotating Any how great video Enjoy the Grandfather all “modern”Centerfire cartridges

[@WilliamCChapin]

Thanks for your observations! I’ll have more about this rifle and other M77’s on the channel in the future.

[@luvtahandload7692]

Ya, that's what I do. Except I use those little colored stickers that come with certain ammo boxes. Works perfectly.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I got my hands on a Ruger M77/270 and had it re barreled to a 7x57. My action is an older tang safety model that doesn't have the Ruger scope mounts cast into the action. I put a standard 1 in 9 twist 24 inch Shelin barrel on it and accuracy is incredible. I am overly fond of the 7x57 though. I wish it were a Hawkeye model control feed but I'm happy with what I have.

[@WilliamCChapin]

I like the round top models - I don’t own one myself - a friend has a couple and I have put a few rounds through one of them that is a .30-06. Your rifle sounds like a nice setup. 🙂

[@russellkeeling4387]

@@WilliamCChapin Thank you, it is a nice rifle. I wanted to have a 1/4 rib rear sight but the cost didn't justify it. I really like those 1/4 ribs like I have on my Ruger #1.

[@GoetzFamilyAsia]

I went hunting in the Czech Republic in the 90s with a Ruger No. 1 with Mannlicher stock and 20" barrel and caliber 7x57mm. I shot a roe buck there at 180 m. 7x57 is a good hunting cartridge. I also had a pre-war Mauser in 7x57 (1937). But actually I was a target shooter and one shot was enough. I am a German from Franconia and now live in Thailand

[@WilliamCChapin]

That No. 1 sounds like a wonderful rifle! Was it marked 7x57 or .275 Rigby? I’ve read about them, but haven’t handled one with the Mannlicher stock. I haven’t been to Thailand since the mid 1990’s when I was in the Navy! 🙂 Thanks for the note.

[@GoetzFamilyAsia]

@@WilliamCChapin As far as I can remember it was marked 7x57.

[@luvtahandload7692]

Love the round. First one, push-feed M70, I took a Stone sheep and Mountain caribou using 160 gr Partitions @ 2700 fps. Alas, it was re-barreled to 257 Bob. Current 7X57 is new M70 Lightweight Supergrade. Haven't shot it much but need to. Thanks for the vid!

[@WilliamCChapin]

Those Supergrades are handsome - I like the maple ones. 🙂

[@travischapin886]

Nice rifle!! Cannot wait to see how this one performs, thank you for sharing with us.

[@WilliamCChapin]

Thanks, Travis!

[@travischapin886]

@@WilliamCChapin You are welcome.

[@beestoe993]

My favorite caliber. I have built rifles from Mauser actions for several years. Assuming you reload, give W-760 try (or H-414, same thing). It really wakes up the old 7mm. Accurate too. I have a more modern barrel and an older military surplus replica barrel. I believe the American sporter versions typically have a slower twist (about 1-9 to 1-10) and a shorter throat. The milsurp stuff is typically the opposite to accommodate much heavier bullets, sometimes with too long of a throat. My milsurp barrel I believe is a 1-7 twist.

[@WilliamCChapin]

Happy New Year, Bees toe! I accidentally deleted one of your other comments - I apologize for the mistake.

[@beestoe993]

@@WilliamCChapin No worries, knowing me I probably deserved it. :D Happy new year!

[@WilliamCChapin]

@@beestoe993 It was a good comment…and I even replied! Then I screwed up and deleted the comment instead of the notification. Dooh! 🤭

[@tedpfenninger4972]

Absolutely agree with your assessment of Win 760/H414! I use it another in 270win and 30-06. It sure meters nicely for progressive reloading.❤

[@ToadleyBrowne]

Those 77's are very nice looking rifles.

[@WilliamCChapin]

Thanks, Toad…I like them too!

[@tedpfenninger4972]

A really fine rifle, in a great chambering. Congrats!

[@WilliamCChapin]

Thanks! I need to get back on that project…

[@andy79z28]

I have the M77 in 30-06 Purchased new in 78. Love mine. And it shoots Zinc with no issues. This past year I added a Picatinny rail so I could use a larger scope and add a brass catcher.

[@WilliamCChapin]

30-06 is one of the chamberings that I have in the tang safety model. I haven’t tried any cast bullets in it. Thanks for the note, Andy!

[@mckwilly]

pretty exciting 👍 good to see a vid

[@WilliamCChapin]

Thanks, Mark. It's all set for range time.

[@easttexan2933]

since I commented 10 months ago about giving away my Interarms Mark X in 7x57 to my grandson, I have purchased a Ruger M77 with tang safety in 7x57 since then. Have sighted in with 175gr RN with appx 1.25 groups. Good shooter. I have found an issue with loading if I baby the bolt; cartridge doesn't seem to want to come up but if I cycle the bolt like I got a pair, she works just fine. May look into doing some light sanding of the mag box walls to see if that's a follower sticking point, but deer season not over with yet.

[@WilliamCChapin]

I think that tends to be true of many push feed rifles - I have made three same observation when running the bolt on a couple of Remingtons. Thanks for the note! 🙂

[@easttexan2933]

@@WilliamCChapin may just stretch the mag spring a tad for a little additional pressure on the cartridge before I do any sanding. How come you never did a follow up to the sighting in video. Did you sell it off?

[@WilliamCChapin]

@@easttexan2933 I need to get back on that rifle - it’s somewhat of a viewer favorite. I’ve spent a lot of time learning about IHMSA Silhouette the past two years! 🙂

[@easttexan2933]

@@WilliamCChapin let's go William !! lol

[@WilliamCChapin]

@@easttexan2933 My viewers seem to have a lot of interest in this Ruger - I’ll get busy with it! There’s ammo ready to go.

[@tonygslc801]

Nice Curtis, I have a Ruger M77 tang safety chambered in .270 Winchester. 👊😎🇺🇸

[@WilliamCChapin]

Very cool! I do as well, it came from my Dad. It was the first centerfire that I loaded for and hunted with in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I still have the sleeve of ammo that I loaded for it in 1983, I'm planning to have a "40 year cold bore" video with it next year!

[@eugenegress5896]

It was once Quoted....Ruger Engineer said, " The M77 Ruger, is the finest Mod 70 Made" I still say, with High Speed modern CNC Machinery, There is no more need to make M77 Recievers, from investment castings.

[@WilliamCChapin]

I like Ruger M-77’s as much as anyone, and I own a decent assortment of them. I certainly have my own experiences and my own observations regarding them. Criticism of the investment cast receiver is not among my sentiments. To me, it’s a non-factor - neither better nor worse than forged or billet metallurgy for my purposes. As far as “the best” Model 70, (disregarding the collectibility factor), I would place the current manufacture Supergrade Winchesters above my Tang Safety and MkII Ruger 77’s and Pre-64 Winchester Festherweight. Thanks for the note! 🙂

[@clintleffingwell8129]

Very nice (and often under-rated) rifle and caliber! I've got three 7x57's - an Interarms Mark-X, an FN Sporter (labeled .275 Rigby), and a custom rifle built on an FN Mauser action. All three have 1:9.5 twist rates, which makes me think that is kind of the going standard for this caliber. They all seem to favor the mid-weight .284 bullets (140-160 grain).

[@WilliamCChapin]

Thanks for the note Clint. I believe that during some periods of production, Ruger used the same barrel blanks for the 7x57 and 7mm Magnum - straying from the tighter twist of traditional 7mm Mauser barrels. I've only had this one out a couple times - the second outing was a bust! I don't know if it was the sinus medication that I was taking or what...I couldn't hold for squat and the rifle beat the tar out of me! There are days like that...it's on video, and may not make it to publication.

[@russellkeeling4387]

Both my 7x57 and my .275 Rigby have 1 in nine twists. I use a wide range of bullet weights and it shoots them all very, very well. Both are custom barrels, one 22" and one 24". Anyone that disrespects the 7mm cartridge must have never used one of any quality. I don't believe the throat in either of my rifles is any longer than needs to be to compared to the magazine length so throat length complaints don't hold water. Of all rifles I own and have owned this rifle I will always keep.

[@brokeloader]

Oh that's a beauty.

[@WilliamCChapin]

Thanks, Brokeloader! It's the most recent M77 to join the fleet. I'm keeping my eyes open for a 6.5x55 Swede - they are among the most scarce.

[@jamesfarmer6004]

The 7mm Mauser (7x57) was developed originally in 1892 as a military caliber, primarily for Spain, Mexico, Central America, and half of South American governments. Their Armies (soldiers) utilized it extensively. In addition to being chambered in Mauser bolt action rifles, the 7mm Mauser was even chambered in machine guns. In fact, in 1913 during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) a version of the Japanese Arisaka bolt action rifle was produced for the Government of Mexico. This caliber also saw extensive use during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) by both Fascist and Republican factions. No doubt the 7mm Mauser even saw some, but limited use, during both World War 1 (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945). Not to mention the Spanish American War (1898), and South Africa's Boer War (1899-1902). So much for the military history on the 7mm Mauser. Sporting use: The 7mm Mauser (7x57),along with the .30-06 Springfield and .375 Holland and Holland Magnum historically, is a world caliber. Africa, India, Europe, North America, and elsewhere it's seen over a century of use hunting big game of the world. Even today (2022) the 7mm Mauser would be an ideal classic dual purpose "deer/elk" caliber for the average North American hunter who wishes to fill the family freezer with fresh venison and elk meat. A quality bolt action sporting such as a Winchester Model 70 chambered in 7mm Mauser (7x57), Ruger M-77/M-77 Mark III, Interarms Mark 5, Parker Hale, and topped with a good 4x scope, and carry sling would give an entire lifetime of service to it's owner. This is one caliber that deserves to be far more popular than it is. It's also highly useful to both sexes, including youth and women who desire a rifle with lethal killing power on big game, yet has noticeably less recoil than a .30-06 and .270. James A. "Jim" Farmer Merrill, Oregon (Klamath County) Long Live The State of Jefferson! Continuing on. The 7mm Mauser (7x57) would not only be an ideal "deer/elk" hunting caliber, but likewise for caribou and moose in Canada and Alaska. Remember proper bullet placement is the key. There remains no substitute for proper shot placement and accuracy. The average North American hunter remains over-gunned and over-scoped anyway. Sometimes less is more. Even a .300 Savage will kill the vast majority of North American big game. With modern bullets, smokeless powders, primers, etc. all rifle calibers can be vastly improved over what they formerly were decades and generations back. This would likewise include the .30-40 Krag (1892), 7.62mm Russian or 7x54R (1891) as chambered in the Model 1891 and1891/30 bolt action Mosin-Nagant rifle, and .303 British (designed in 1888-1889 and first loaded with Cordite in 1892). Putting fresh meat, including venison in the freezer, remains the goal, even into the 21st century. The Apostle Paul in the New Testament (Holy BIble) writes: "For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving." --- 1 Timothy 4:1

[@WilliamCChapin]

It’s certainly a long-time favorite!

[@jl8543]

You forgot Karamojo Bell with his 7x57 Mauser and more than a 1000 African Elephants..

[@jamesfarmer6004]

@@jl8543 Yes....I did, but not deliberately. Bell's use of the 7x57 Mauser further solidifies and embraces the 7mm Mauser as a dual purpose "deer/elk caliber" for the North American hunter, not to mention even for hunting both moose and caribou. And of course historically in Africa and India the 7x57 has seen long hard use for well over a century.

[@jcm4590]

Rifle's in beautiful condition. I can see why you bought it. BTW, I have one of these in 270 Win.

[@WilliamCChapin]

Thanks, JCM45! I have a tang safety 270 as well…it was my Dad’s (along with a matching 7mm Magnum) and was the first rifle I loaded for, when I was a kid. I still have most of the first sleeve of ammo I made for it! My assortment of M77’s was somewhat built around those two rifles - I’ve shown some of them in videos over time. Thanks for the note!

[@easttexan2933]

Gave my 7x57 (Interarms Mark X) to my grandson last year for his 18th birthday. Love the cartridge. Killed a nice Llano, TX whitetail with it 2 years ago on my son's ranch.

[@WilliamCChapin]

That’s an awesome gift! 🙂

[@easttexan2933]

@@WilliamCChapin Yeah, I commented on your shooting video of this rifle that my grandsons dad had recently passed. This was one of the reasons I gave it to him and also he got a baseball scholarship to Sam Houston University too. All good. Great cartridge. Love the killing power with no recoil.

[@russellkeeling9712]

Before I got an M77 I thought they were a control feed action but I was wrong. They have the large extractor but they have a button ejector like a Remington, oh well.

[@WilliamCChapin]

The tang safety 77’s are indeed push feed - they use an ejector button, and the claw extractor snaps over the case upon chambering. The cartridge head does not slide up the bolt face and under the extractor when feeding from the magazine. Thanks for watching!

[@russellkeeling4387]

@@WilliamCChapin Yes I know. I also own a 93 Mauser with the control feed. It is also custom made by my father when he was in gunsmith school in Trinidad, CO . The 93 is a true control feed with the squared bolt bottom. I don't really like the cock on close of the 93 though. It is what I call my pole gun. I hunt a lot in thick lodge pole pine and with an old K3 Weaver scope it fills that bill perfectly. It has a 22 inch barrel. The two largest elk I've ever taken were with that rifle.

[@davidhayes7596]

I think it was around 1973 or so , Ruger chambered the 77 in a 250-30000 Savage. I've never seen one in person but that would be a neat one to stumble on to. Do you have one ?

[@WilliamCChapin]

I don’t - that would sure be a neat one!

[@RD-ve3wi]

My first cf is a M77 RS in 284 Win. The hardware store guy gave me a big enough discount and goodies he got to keep his popular 270. Didn't realize until years later why he worked so hard to steer me away. This model and caliber might be as maligned as the 7x57. They didn't make many of either. Still don't know who made my barrel.

[@WilliamCChapin]

I don’t have a .284 - it has attracted a bit more interest with the current focus on longer range shooting. If I find a clean 77 in that chambering, I’d consider adding one to the collection! Later this year, my tang safety .270 will probably make an appearance on the channel.

[@vadenk4433]

He did you a favor. The M77 in .284 is rare and highly collectible.

[@libertyoutdoors5741]

My liberty model 7x57 shoots 140gr Nosler ballistic tips under an inch at 100 yards with my hand loads.

[@WilliamCChapin]

Sounds good! I need to get this one back out to the range for more shooting. 🙂

[@cbsbass4142]

Two sources I saw said it was a 1:8.75 twist rate.

[@WilliamCChapin]

I’ve seen at least two different twist rates published, that’s why I measured this one. Thanks for the note!

[@GunFunZS]

What is the normal twist rate for that caliber?

[@WilliamCChapin]

Around 1:8, typically. I gather that at some point, Ruger used the same blanks for the 7x57 and 7mm Magnum - 1:9.5

[@GunFunZS]

@@WilliamCChapin So in theory it should want light for caliber bullets? Everybody seems to like that caliber but I haven't had an opportunity to try it.

[@WilliamCChapin]

@@GunFunZS This example, by the twist numbers, should favor the lighter end. I have read that others dislike the combination of the slower twist and the chamber with lead that favors the longer, heavier bullets. We'll see how it does.

[@russellkeeling9712]

Both of mine are a 1 in 9 twist. It will handle all .284 caliber bullets quit well. The two largest elk I have ever killed were with 140 grain bullets but my new 24 inch barrel is getting to know some 154 grain hand loads at an average of 2758 fps.

[@ol1guy994]

Nice rifle thanks for show and tell

[@jamespollard1670]

I always felt the 7x57 should have been more popular .

[@WilliamCChapin]

It's one of my favorites, Mr. Pollard!

[@russellkeeling9712]

It wasn't as popular in the United States as some firearms but the rest of the world knows it well. Every cartridge that has a head diameter of .473 is a child of the 7x57.

[@jamesfarmer6004]

The 7mm Mauser (7x57) was developed originally in 1892 as a military caliber, primarily for Spain, Mexico, Central America, and half of South American governments. Their Armies (soldiers) utilized it extensively. In addition to being chambered in Mauser bolt action rifles, the 7mm Mauser was even chambered in machine guns. In fact, in 1913 during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) a version of the Japanese Arisaka bolt action rifle was produced for the Government of Mexico. This caliber also saw extensive use during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) by both Fascist and Republican factions. No doubt the 7mm Mauser even saw some, but limited use, during both World War 1 (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945). Not to mention the Spanish American War (1898), and South Africa's Boer War (1899-1902). So much for the military history on the 7mm Mauser. Sporting use: The 7mm Mauser (7x57),along with the .30-06 Springfield and .375 Holland and Holland Magnum historically, is a world caliber. Africa, India, Europe, North America, and elsewhere it's seen over a century of use hunting big game of the world. Even today (2022) the 7mm Mauser would be an ideal classic dual purpose "deer/elk" caliber for the average North American hunter who wishes to fill the family freezer with fresh venison and elk meat. A quality bolt action sporting rifle such as the Winchester Model 70 chambered in 7mm Mauser (7x57), Ruger M-77 and M-77 Mark II, etc. topped with a good 4x scope, and carry sling would give an entire lifetime of service to it's owner. This is one caliber that deserves to be far more popular than it is. It's also highly useful to both sexes, including youth and women who desire a rifle with lethal killing power on big game, yet has noticeably less recoil than a .30-06 and .270. James A. "Jim" Farmer Merrill, Oregon (Klamath County) Long Live The State of Jefferson! Continuing on. The 7mm Mauser (7x57) would not only be an ideal "deer/elk" hunting caliber, but likewise for caribou and moose in Canada and Alaska. Remember proper bullet placement is the key. There remains no substitute for proper shot placement and accuracy. The average North American hunter remains over-gunned and over-scoped anyway. Sometimes less is more. Even a .300 Savage will kill the vast majority of North American big game. With modern bullets, smokeless powders, primers, etc. all rifle calibers can be vastly improved over what they formerly were decades and generations back. This would likewise include the .30-40 Krag (1892), 7.62mm Russian or 7x54R (1891) as chambered in the Model 1891 and1891/30 bolt action Mosin-Nagant rifle, and .303 British (designed in 1888-1889 and first loaded with Cordite in 1892). Putting fresh meat, including venison in the freezer, remains the goal, even into the 21st century. The Apostle Paul in the New Testament (Holy Bible) writes: "For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving." --- 1 Timothy 4:1

[@jamespollard1670]

@@jamesfarmer6004 Exactly , it is plenty of gun , without a lot of recoil . That is why I always felt it should have been a very popular caliber . I guess the 243 and 7-08 and 308 overshadowed it ?

[@warrenlathrop6296]

My M77 in 7x57 is now not in as nice shape as that one having been carried for 42 seasons in all weather for deer, black bear, and moose,. But it wears every scratch proudly and many bring memories when I look at them.

[@cw2a]

Hello my Friend!!

[@WilliamCChapin]

Hello, CW!

[@cw2a]

These are beautiful guns. Very reminiscent if the grand daddy 1898 Mauser. I have had three, none shot well. 😝. But I still loved every one!! I have a Custom short action AAA walnut stock. I have had my eye out for close to two decades wanting a 77 tang to fill it. Haven't yet found one. I have a few hundred 154 RN myself. Always liked that bullet on deer.

[@WilliamCChapin]

@@cw2a I’ve heard and read plenty of “I used to have…” stories like that. I’ve been pleased with the 77’s that I own.

[@steemerxaxon1643]

Some of those have a 1/10 Twist

[@WilliamCChapin]

I’ve heard/read about a few different rifling and chambering variations and a similar variety of barrel vendors. I have a sample of one actual rifle on hand - and I’ve forgotten what I measured! 🙂 I think it may be time to revisit this rifle, there seems to be interest in it. Thanks for the note, and I appreciate your feedback!

[@davidhayes7596]

You might need to let that one go.

[@WilliamCChapin]

Can you expand on that?

[@davidhayes7596]

@@WilliamCChapin toung in cheek implying that I really like that m77. It's worth way more than a pawn shop would give you and it would be difficult to replace at the price that they would sell it for.

[@WilliamCChapin]

@@davidhayes7596 Gotcha! It’s one piece of an assortment of tang safety M77’s in my collection. Thanks for the note.

[@jl8543]

Karamojo Bell=7x57 Mauser=1000 Elephants...

[@WilliamCChapin]

Legendary, indeed!

[@ernestbarch2976]

Too bad it doesn't have iron sights---it would be a classic beauty in a old-fashioned chambering.

[@WilliamCChapin]

I haven’t personally put my hands on an M77RS (rings and sights) or M77RSI (International) in 7x57. Those are certainly configurations that interest me. Thanks for the note.

[@russellkeeling4387]

Absolutely correct. A nice banded front sight and express rear sight they resemble the Rigby Highland Stalker .275 Rigby.

[@kovacsferi9019]

Nagyon jó kaliber nekem vegyes csövű Ben van

[@WilliamCChapin]

I think so too! Thanks for the note. 🙂

[@cbsbass4142]

As for New Ruger M-77 "hawkeyes" I'm very disappointed in their offerings. They also need to learn to free-float and accurize a little more, but I do like controlled round feeds. Their Hawkeye African in say 6.5X55 Swede looks awesome.....if they'd not make them exclusives from Lipsey's etc. I mean what the he** ???

[@WilliamCChapin]

I have briefly looked at a few Hawkeyes, I haven’t examined one thoroughly and have no experience with them. I don’t care for the etching on the floor plate.

[@russellkeeling4387]

A lot of people now days will pay more for a scope than they will the rifle. I was lucky enough to find a Ruger #1 Lipsey's .35 Whelen. I was very willing to pay the price they wanted. I don't see why people even buy a rifle that does not have open sights. Without sights you have to add the cost of the scope to the total cost of the rifle. With sights the two purchases don't have to be made at the same time. I absolutely love the chambering. If I couldn't get a .35 Whelen the next best thing for me would be 9.3x62.

[@WilliamCChapin]

@@russellkeeling4387 The #1 in 35 Whelen is certainly a classy rifle. I passed on a Remington 760 in that chambering maybe 20 years ago and wish I had purchased it!

[@russellkeeling4387]

@@WilliamCChapin I'd love to have a 760 or a 7600 in .35 Whelen.

[@brianrobinson1975]

something a little better about the liberty models

[@WilliamCChapin]

The markings make the rifles a bit more interesting to me. M77's have a few variations along those lines: flat bolt, round top, pre-warning, etc... Thanks for the note!

[@HobbiesHobo]

With quality loaded ammo you should be able to prove most of those tales as false. I see why you moved this to the front. Spring is around the corner, new rifle, haha. The perfect storm. Mike.

[@WilliamCChapin]

I put together some ammo that I think will be a good starting point...it's ready to go. Thanks for the note, Mike!

[@chrisbaran4214]

WRONG LOL 200th year anything bring more money in Ruger

[@WilliamCChapin]

I have seen sellers asking more for both Liberty Rugers and pre-warning Rugers - I have not, however, personally observed anyone actually paying a premium for them. Thanks for the note.

[@chrisbaran4214]

@@WilliamCChapin keep this in mind !! They print money every day they don’t make pre warning or 200th year rugers anymore and if I find a un molested one in good shape I pay top dollar for it