From a mechanical point of view, merits of each action etc....and removing nostalgia, sentimentality and the like, what do you guys who know a lot about both think?
Is one better than the other?
Would posit that the 77 Hawkeye is safer in the event of a gas escape, after reading all the threads I could. and the Winchester's trigger can be cleaned up better. But is there anything being overlooked here?
I have or still own models of both as well as ones outside your limits. Winchesters include a 1938 M70 pre-war Standard Grade in .30 Govt '06 and a 1954 M70 FW '06. Rugers that fit your parameters are a ,223 Hawkeye UL All Weather and an All weather Gunsite Scout in .308 Winchester. .
I am not sure one is better than the other. Staying away from the Classics makes the comparison simpler. They were produced in different eras and that may be the big differences. .
Your comments on gas handling are valid. You could improve the Model 70's with a bolt flange but few did.
Trigger wise the Model 70's can be adjusted more easily. On my pr-war Model 70, I did have to cut 1/2 coil off the trigger spring to get pull down to my desired three pounds.
The Ruger triggers take a bit more work. An Ernies's trigger spring and a tiny bit of polishing and I have given good results.
With rifle stocks the Ruger is a very good design nice looking and synthetic, vital where I hunt.
The Winchester stocks were not to my liking. I put an early Pacific Research stock on the pre war and reduced weight and got a drop more suited to a scope iron sight combination. The FW stock was pretty good for handling. It was very prone to absorbing moisture and sweling especally when it froze. I credit two missed bull elk to that problem. I first installed a heavy Carbelite stock but later went with a Bansner which is still on it.
Iron Sights - Both Winchesters came with good iron sights. My Hawkeye UL did not. The Gunsite Scout came with excellent sights.
Scope Mounting - I find the drill and tapping method used by Winchester works better for me. It is more flexible. I have used Weaver, Warne, Leupold and Redfield mounts successully.
The Ruger dovetail system works very well if it fits the uses you want and rings are available. Get outside that and they become much more difficult. As an example, a friend struggled to mount a 30 mm scope on his .338 Win Mag Hawkeye.
Factory rings didn't work and going to bases that allowed using the sope used the built in slots for mounting. They weren't rated for the .338 Win Mags recoil. He had to get som drilling and tapping done.
Finish - Pre-64 Winchesters were blued and rust/glare are potential problems. While I refinished the FW to a matte black the pre-wars bluing has stood up remarkably.
With Hawkeyes I only puchase All-Weather versions. Potential problems are much reduced.
Safeties. I prefer the Winhester style but have had some issues with internal corrosion.
Fit and finish. For me, the Winchesters are far better done. My pre-war has as smooth an action as any rifleI have owned.