I have a new MK II in 300 WM that is an absolute tack driver. Half MOA at 100 yards using a lead sled. My 308 scout rifle is at 1 MOA. Not sure why everyone wants to put the M77 down but they are great rifles.
My old 270 tang safety model, early 70s, is very picky on ammo type and if shot more than a handful of times without a total cooldown starts to wander quite a bit. If I had to build one up my personal choice is a Remington 700 donor action vs a Ruger to start.
I inherited a M77 tang safety in 270. First shot always on, second and there after not so much. They have a trigger part recall, I have the replacement trigger part that I will have installed. But the real problem with those guns are the barrels. Not sure who made them, but fairly worthless when hot.
My tang safety M77 in .280, which I recently sold, would consistently shoot 1-1.25” groups with hand loads. It had been professionally bedded, but not free floated. They’re solid rifles, if you have one that shoots well.
Likes: Not expensive, controlled round feed, three position safety, smooth operation & moderate weight.
Dislikes: Trigger a bit rough and complicated, some barrels are rough and others fine. action design is homely. Barrel too short.
I borrowed a friend's M77 tang safety in 338 win mag. It was less than one inch MOA with the 250 grain Nosler Partition hand loads he worked up for it. It got my elk for me and started my love of the 338 win mag. Nice smooth action too. I think they are a lot of gun for the money.
I have had good luck with M77 Mark IIs. They are a little more available in left handed versions, which is a plus for me. I’ve got them in 25-06 and 30-06. I have also had a 9.3x62 and 35 Whelen made out of 30-06s. All four will shot MOA or a bit better with factory ammo. The ones I’ve come across have been affordable and solidly built.
You ever notice that almost everyone on the internet shoots 1 MOA with almost all their rifles, but when you see people at the range almost no one shoots 1 MOA?
EC Hunting Safaris is offering an "Early Season" Special.
Confirm your hunt by End Feb 2025, and receive 5% DISCOUNT on your Safari package, or tailor-made package, AS WELL AS, FREE RIFLE HIRE & AMMO.
Send us a message and secure your Special Offer
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.