Have a line on a decently priced .223 Ruger M77 Mk II. How are these rifles? This one looks like it was made in 1989. Blue and wood.

Any comments on quality, accuaracy, throat anything like that is welcome.

Thanks,

Jeff

I have a stainless/synthetic that shoots 55gr Barnes TSX's very accurately. Lots of hogs, and more than one coyote have fallen to that rifle. One of my favorite "go to" fun guns!

All the Rugers are good, solid rifles and if it's a good price on something you want or need, go for it. It will have a slow twist, good for varmint-weight bullets and the accuracy will be a crapshoot, like everything else. For an all-around .223, especially if heavier bullets are in your plans, your money will be better spent elsewhere, unless it's a really good price that will make re-barreling an affordable option. The current Hawkeyes have steel bottom metal and faster twists and can be had pretty reasonably.

If you told us the price, the "deal" would be easier to ponder. Also, are the rings included with the rifle?

I have one with 1/12 twist. Shoots 40gr and Varget outstanding as well 55-grainers and H335. Will never sell mine. Has thousands of rounds through and still shoots well.

I just purchased one of these myself, also a 1989 wood/blue model. The throat on mine is longer than my other 223s. I've only shot some cheap American Eagle ammo through it, but it shot that stuff better than any other rifle I've put it through. I'm about to work up some deer loads for this fall. Mine is the 20in barrel model. I've been told that 22in is the more common length, but I don't know that for sure.

It's not a screaming deal - but $500. Rifle is pristine and it has rings and a Bushnell 3x9 on it. 22" barrel.

Perhaps I'll wait to find a newer one for more bullet weight flexibility.

That's what I paid for mine, also with a 3-9 Bushnell. Mine looks like it hasn't been out of the safe in 25 years. I sold the scope and put a Conquest on mine. Got $40 for the scope so I'm $460 into the rifle.

Well - maybe it's worth it. I guess if it doesn't shoot I can rebarrel it or send it down the road. And I can always add a mcmillian if I want later.

I was going to see if I could find a stainless hawkeye out there in .223. I'm not sure I'll get lucky on that.

Jeff

You can find a 223 in a Hawkeye, even stainless, a whole lot easier than you can find one in a gloss blued/walnut MarkII. Those are scarce!

And for about the same price...Whittaker Guns and CDNN both had SS Hawkeyes in 223 last I checked for $499 brand new.

I bought one (blue and wood) new in 1991. It's been shot a great deal and remains accurate. For years, the only load I've used in it consists of a 50 grain Sierra Blitz and Reloder 7 powder.