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Joined: Sep 2005
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Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,529 |
Looking for a new squirrel rifle and thinking about a Ruger 77/17 or the Ruger American because I like the rotary mag and the flush fit of the magazine. How would you compare these two rifles? Would I be better served with a 22lr?
“Go afield with a good attitude, with respect for the forest and fields in which you walk. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person” -Fred Bear
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 22,902
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 22,902 |
I wouldn't trade my 77/17 for a half-dozen Americans.......
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 869
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2013
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 30,725
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 30,725 |
77 for me too......you talking HMR or M2 ?
T R U M P W O N !
U L T R A M A G A !
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 28,705
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 28,705 |
77 all the way, despite the good reports on the American. It's just a nicer rifle. It may need a little trigger work, but that's cheap and easy.
Though I've never owned one, I think the Hummer is a bit much for squirrels if you plan to eat them, unless you take only head shots and don't mind the mess. JB once wrote that his Hummer was more accurate than any .22 he ever owned, and he has some nice ones. The HM2 is dandy, but ammo supply issues make it tough to keep one fed. Subsonic .22HPs are deadly and very quiet in the woods. I like RWS, about $8 a box.
CDNN had a great deal on 77/17s. Look there if that's how you decide to go.
Last edited by Pappy348; 11/03/16.
What fresh Hell is this?
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 971
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 971 |
Heads up. The entire Ruger 77 series has been discontinued. The 44 mags dried up fast in the LGS's. If you want a 17, you might want to move fast on that.
I have a ruger American in 22mag and I think it shoots as well as the 77 (one inch for 5 shots VMax at 100 yards). The American has a better trigger too. The 77 rimfire is obviously (to me) a high class rifle when setup with a walnut stock. I also thought the stainless synthetic 44mags made a nice gun.
I never had a 77 myself. I shot my friends guns.
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Joined: May 2003
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,002 |
Kandpand: I would DEFINITELY opt for (invest in!) The Ruger 77/17 V/T! I bought the first Ruger 77/17 V/T in 17 HMR I saw in person, MANY years ago (early 2,003), and that Rifle has been a gem for me ever since. Mine is the Varmint model with the shiny stainless finish and the laminated stock with pleasing forend width. It has done everything I have asked it to do and done so with great results ever since. And it looks good while performing so well. There is NO comparison of the 22 L.R. in any configuration and the Ruger 77/17 V/T in 17 HMR! Accuracy in ALL of the Ruger 77/17 V/T's of which I have seen has been excellent. Not one of my MANY friends who have invested in the Ruger 77/17 V/T's has ever sold one! The additional weight (mass) of the Ruger 77/17 V/T pays off when afield or at the range IME. With a Weaver V-16 scope on my Ruger 77/17 the last three times I fired for sight-in verification I fired groups (5 shots at 100 yards) measuring .732", .502" and .646"! These groups were fired in different years and on dead calm days. Firing a real life close to half inch group at 100 yards with a rimfire is VERY hard to do! I say get on the stick (before they are gone forever!) and order a Ruger 77/17 V/T! Best of luck to you with whichever you choose. Hold into the wind VarmintGuy
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 18,461
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 18,461 |
I've not handled a Ruger American. But I do have the heavy barreled versions of the 77 in all rimfire chamberings (.22, .22 mag, .17 HMR, and .17 HM2). They have the laminated stocks and the target gray finish. They are all scoped, and they are all very accurate...especially the .17 HM2. They all have a big rifle feel and the dimensions are proportional to center-fire bolt action rifles. They are very well crafted. They are exceptional rimfires.
Every day on this side of the ground is a win.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 26,422 |
Last edited by PaulBarnard; 11/06/16.
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,529
Campfire Tracker
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OP
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,529 |
Thanks for all of the replies. I did see that deal at CDNN and it is tempting but the clutch just went out on my daily driver so may have to wait until Christmas.
“Go afield with a good attitude, with respect for the forest and fields in which you walk. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person” -Fred Bear
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,691
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,691 |
I wouldn't trade my 77/17 for a half-dozen Americans....... Yup - and I'm not really all the excited about my 77/22. I went with the CZ 455 in .17HMR. Excellent Rifle for $389.
Last edited by centershot; 11/14/16.
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