Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Express Rifles and Big Bores Only Ruger MKI 458 Win rifles

Is there any general advice for these rifles? There is one tempting me in a local shop that is temping me. It has a black walnut stock and in great original shape aside from 6 or so scratches through the wood finish on one side. It looks to be made in 1980. I like the way it feels, although it is heavy, it seemed to handle well. I would be tempted to remove the scope and try one of the rear peeps ruger makes for their “scout” style 308s. Any advice on going prices? I have shot an 8.5 lb 416 Rigby before, and would expect the recoil of the heavier 458 to be no worse than that.

Thanks for your thoughts!

The Ruger is a kicker in my experience.

All I know is that they knock the wet off a 9 foot brown bear standing in a stream.

You will find that it will kick more than a .416 Rigby. Sure, you could load it down, but it’s a stopper with a full house load pushing a 510 gr bullet. It’s the extra ejecta that makes for more recoil.

Ruger classic style stocks direct the recoil straight back and are the most brutal piledrivers I have ever experienced.
The Mark 1 is also a push feed action so if that is ok with you, there are often Model 70 Supergrades floating around that handle the recoil better.

If it is cheap, I recommend you restock it in a Micky stock along the lines of a Sako or Model 70 Supergrade design.
Just an opinion.
John

And yes, it will kick more than a .416 Rigby.
John

Thanks for the advice. What is considered a good deal for these rifles. As in at what price is it worth buying and restocking?

I had one about ten years ago and, like Aussie Gun Writer said, it kicked very hard. It also was quite barrel heavy and poorly balanced, in my opinion, in its factory stock. Unless you are getting a really good deal on it--like $500 or thereabouts--I think you'll be happier in the long run with a CZ 550 Magnum in either the wood or synthetic stock. I bought a 550 Magnum after I sold my M77 and I found the 550 to be much "livelier" in the hands, felt recoil was less, and the iron sights were superior.

Exactly. Ruger’s kick like a mule.