I would really like to thank everyone for the warm welcome to the forums and for taking the time to aid me in my decision.
I hadn't really put much thought into a Ruger as my I once owned an old 10/22 which was about as useful throwing at a squirrel as it was shooting at one, the accuracy wasn't nearly up to my expectations and didn't stay in my collection for very long. After reading coyote_hunter's post and many comparisons of the kimber 84, winchester 70, remington 700, and ruger 77 I think the Ruger is the perfect rifle for me.
Probably the most influential of the features the rifle offers were the integral scope mounts, three position safety, one piece bolt, and the mauser type controlled round feed extractor. If theses features come anywhere close to the theoretical ruggedness it presents I believe this rifle will serve well for any application I intend on using it for.
I am still in a pickle over which model I want between the M77 Hawkeye Standard or the Hawkeye All Weather; though I think I am leaning towards the Standard, as I find it much easier on the eyes but I guess I need to put more thought into it. Either way the rifle will be chambered in the good ol' 30-06. Thanks again to everyone!
