Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles specifics of M70FW and M77 Hawkeye... final decision?

I'm in the market for a mid-level (at least as I define it, anyway) bolt gun, walnut stock, blued. This will primarily be a deer rifle but might occasionally be called into service for other game (hogs, cow elk, etc). I've narrowed things down to three choices: Model 70 FW in 7mm-08; M77 Hawkeye Standard in 7mm-08; or, the wild card, a CZ 557 in 6.5 creedmoor. (I have a little stockpile of 6.5 ammo from a previous rifle.) I'm already sold on walnut, blued, calibers, brands, etc. (I.e., I've held Tikkas and Kimbers but not interested. Don't care for Weatherby triggers. Not planning to dump action in a new stock, etc. The guns are the guns and will be used as they come.) So here are my questions:

1. Aside from small differences in fit and finish, the main point of debate between the 70FW and M77 seems to be the open vs. closed trigger... with some people thinking the Ruger is better suited to rough conditions. Is this important enough to make any difference for 99% of real world hunting scenarios or is this way, way, way out in the weeds? Right now, I'm leaning 70FW, but I do need something that will hold up in freezing cold.

2. Does anyone have insight into the stock finishing process of the 70FW vs. the M77? I realize wood is going to be wood when the weather is bad, but I do think differences in sealing could be important?

3. I have zero experience with CZ-American rifles. I'm not tied to controlled or push feed. The 557 looks like a classic but for whatever reason I'm having a hard time convincing myself it should cost the same as the Winchester or the Ruger, even with a slightly longer barrel. (And especially when they make you buy their $80 rings on top of it all.) Thoughts on this one? (Would anyone happen to know if the detachable mag is metal or polymer? I'm not a big fan of plastic on a rifle costing more than $400-500.)

Thanks very much for the help!

In my biased opinion,buy the M 70 Featherweight and go kill game with it.

A fixed 4x or 6x or a 2-7x variable scope would also be my choice.

I have always been a huge Ruger fan. The Hawkeyes are built hell for stout. The FW will feel better in the hand, will be more refined, will be less likely to be defective, will likely be more accurate and won't gouge the ever loving piss out of your brass.

Pick the one you like best. I'm a Model 70 fan all the way, but in this case, you pick. But look at the good side, at least you din't have a 700 in the mix...

I’d go w/ the M70 FW every time no questions asked. It’s just right to me; Ruger is too heavy for what you get.

Kimber and Tikka are both too light...

I have a Mk II that certainly does that. Is that typical for their bolt action? (roll call here) At least you know what brass goes with what rifle.

The Winchester will have a smoother cycling action by a large margin.

It's not uncommon but it is easy to fix if you're not a total retard. They do tend to be rough in the feed ramp, underside of the feed rails and sometimes the edge of the chamber. A few minutes polishing in the right places and they're golden.

Model 70 FW

Rogers have always been rough as hell IMO.
The open trigger debate is much ado about nothing.

A FW that doesn’t say “Portugal” on it is what I’d choose

For sure.

Thanks for all the replies. I've been leaning Winchester and seem further in that direction now. I will say, though, that I have another FW (bought before I knew anything about the open vs. closed trigger debate ) that was made in Portugal and the fit/finish is immaculate.

The CZ is still intriguing, but likely out now. I just can't stomach being forced to spend $80 on rings without any options other than CZ's.

I’d agree with these guys

Have you considered an xbolt hunter?

It's apparent from your post you know more than 90% of the group. I have both and would flip a coin given the same chambering in both.

Geo

Had a Ruger m77 now own 4 push feed model 70s look no further

My two Hawkeye series shred it. Especially the Predator 6.6 Creedpuff. My 77 M2 doesn't.

I really like the blueing in the Rugers. Are we talking new guns here?
Walnut blued Id pick ruger. Stainless, I’d pick Winchester.

Yes, brand new.

No, haven't really looked at the Browning. How are the triggers?