Agreed with VarmintGuy. As someone with personal experience, almost all Ruger 77/22 are good enough for squirrel hunting. The Ruger made barrels are good enough for targets. If you happen to find a lesser example, send it to CPC for a tune up.
To the OP's question: run a magazine through the 77/22, then try the RAR, then a Marlin 25. You'll feel the differences. Some 77/22 have a V-block barrel for quick changes between caliber (22 and 17) or field barrel and heavy barrel. Then there is the American made and Ruger backed aspect.
