Browning A-Bolt II Hunter, or Ruger M77 Hawkeye?

[Bobson]

A friend of mine (more of a mentor, but that sounds kinda strange to me) invited me on what may be a short series of hunting trips in 2012. Plan is to hunt deer, elk, possibly black bear, and coyotes will be filler, since their season is year-long with no bag limit.

Thing is, I don't have a hunting rifle, so I need to buy one.

Was always planning on a Remington 700 for when I finally get my rifle, but since Remington QC has been tanking, that's no longer an option I'll even consider. This means it'll either be a Ruger M77 Hawkeye, or Browning A-Bolt II. Just not sure which. I've handled both in stores, and my uncle owns the M77. Both rifles feel solid to me... not sure what real differences there are.

If you recommend other, please keep it limited to $650 or less.

Whichever rifle I get, I'm pretty sure it'll be chambered in .30-06. Was also considering .308. Any thoughts on whether those will suffice for the elk and bear? Which would be better? I don't reload, if that makes a difference. Thanks for the advice.

 

[jpwilly]

I'd go 30-06 of the two the Browning. If it were my money a Winchester or Tikka would be on my short list.

 

[WayBeau]

I have the 77 in 30-06 and LOVE it. I haven't shot the Browning, but I don't think that you could really go wrong with either of the two. My Ruger loves Wally World Corelokts (yes, I've shot other rounds through it).

 

[Fumbler]

Between the M77 and A-Bolt I'd pick the A-Bolt. I like the M77 a lot. It's well made, I like the safety, and controlled round feed is nice. However, from all I've seen A-Bolts are more accurate than M77s. I also like the A-Bolt's shorter bolt lift and lighter weight (which can help if you're hiking a lot).

I actually chose "other" because I'm a big fan of the Tikka T3 as long as you can get it at a decent price (should be ~$75-100 less). It's a cheaper made gun, so you shouldn't pay what some shops ask for it.
Despite being cheaper (plastic trigger guard, less machining operations in the manufacturing, etc) it's accurate, even lighter than the A-Bolt, is even smoother in operation than the A-Bolt, and I like the detachable magazine. It makes it easy to unload.
You can spend the money you saved on a nicer scope.

So yeah...that's just my opinion and what I like may not matter to you.
In the end the M77 or A-Bolt would do fine and either are way better than a 700 (IMO the 700 is overrated).

BTW, I'm a fan of the 308, but if you're taking big game an extra 1-200fps never hurt. You should go with the 30-06.

 

[rori]

I own a A bolt II in 06 and an X bolt in 06. I've owned many 77's over the years and can give you an honest opinion on both. The Brownings are by far the better of the 2 rifles!!!!! They shoot great right out of the box and will easily shoot into 3/4" all day long. The Rugers are a cheap rifle that perform OK but the stocks seem to crack right behind the tang and the only way I've found to cure this it to glass bed the rifle. The 06 is a fine caliber and I hunt the big Roosevelts elk with them and coupled with Barnes TSX bullets have never failed to drop these big elk with one shot. My advise is buy the Browning in 06 and never have to buy another big game rifle again. Frank

 

[1948CJ2A]

Weatherby Vanguard in 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Weatherby Mag would work fine for all the animals you listed and stay in your budget.

 

[Fumbler]

The Rugers are a cheap rifle that perform OK but the stocks seem to crack right behind the tang and the only way I've found to cure this it to glass bed the rifle.

I forgot about that. I bedded two M77s for a friend, both of which had small cracks in that spot. The cracks weren't enough to affect anything, but Ruger's wood stock fit in those two M77 (one was the early version, the other a MKII) was laughable.

I don't know how the Hawkeyes compare to the older M77s.

 

[longrangedog]

cant go wrong with a a-bolt (imo) i have a a-bolt ll hunter in 260, and it is a excellent rifle,sub moa out to 300yd(all the local range has) w/ sierre 140 spbts and n140 powder, action is as smooth as anything in its price range, have not had any problems.

 

[bearman49709]

I've owed both and both are fine rifle's, but I own a X-bolt and it's better than the other two.I would go with the .308Win, I've owned a lot of rifle's in both .308 and .30-06 and don't see any difference in the field.

 

[Bobson]

Regarding the X-Bolt...

I looked at them online, and from what I could tell, the only difference (between the A-Bolt II Hunter, and the X-Bolt) is the X-Bolt has an adjustable trigger, while the A-Bolt II Hunter doesn't. I can't justify an extra $100+ for that difference, and even if I could, I just don't really want to spend more than $650 on my rifle unless I absolutely have to.

 

[Float Pilot]

I have owned three Ruger 77s and they needed lots of work to make them shoot well and load reliably. I only have one left. (the 350 rem mag that I converted to a my Sourdough rifle) I would never buy another M77 as a keeper, although I may ended up with another in a trade.

The Browning A-bolt is a much higher quality rifle.

The T-3 Tikka lightweights are a very nice rifle right out of the box as well.

The CZ-550 series is also something to look at. You get a lot of quality for your dollar with a CZ made rifle.

For basic value in a low cost yet accurate rifle,,,,the Savage line of rifles are also hard to beat.



F.P.

 

[Bobson]

The T-3 Tikka lightweights are a very nice rifle right out of the box as well.

The CZ-550 series is also something to look at. You get a lot of quality for your dollar with a CZ made rifle.

I was going to consider a Tikka T3, but I'm yet to see one with a wood stock.

I don't have a problem with composite on firearms (my shotgun has composite furniture), but for whatever reason, I decided I want a handsome rifle with a wood stock.

As far as the CZ 550 American, I've read up on them and I'm definitely interested, but I don't know of a local shop that sells them, which means I'd have to purchase online without ever handling one personally. I'm not entirely eager to do that.

I do appreciate your input, especially on the M77 and A-Bolt. Thanks.

 

[Float Pilot]

I know what you mean. I went through my synthetic stock phase back in the 80s. I find myself being drawn back to nice wood. There is something warm and inviting about a properly sculpted piece of wood.

Here is my CZ-550 FS model in 30-06 is shoots OK groups and is handy to carry.

And also here is my old Husqvarna Lightweight from 1957. It weighs even less and shoots VERY nice groups.
The Husqvarna did not look so swell when I bought it, but a little TLC and some glass bedding brought back her youth. I only paid $450 for it and maybe sank another $75 into her as fix-up money... (Not counting the scope)

 

[icon308win]

check out the TC Icon i was in same situation a month ago I had narrowed to a X Bolt or if could find a new model 70.But when went looking and handled really liked the Icon best.
Great feel high quality

 

[jmr40]

Find a way to come up with another $55, and buy one of these.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/36_61/products_id/57520

You won't be disappointed. Well worth a few extra $'s

 

[Bobson]

That's a Model 70 Featherweight, right?

Maybe I should spring for one. I don't think I've ever heard anything negative about a Model 70.

 

[Waffen tragen]

I have multiple A-bolts and X-bolts and am a big fan of the rifles. They
fit me well and shoot well. I like the safety position, detachable mag,
and bolt throw.
I also own one Tikka T3. It's a nice rifle. It's not as "well" built as the Browning, but shoots just as well. It is light. This is noticeable on the recoil

 

[brnmuenchow]

I voted "Other", only because the Winchester Model 70 is my rifle of choice, however I also between the two (Ruger vs. Browning) I really like the Browning A/X-Bolt rifles as well.

 

[gamestalker]

I Brother in law has a M77's in .280 rem., and my Son has one in .270 win.. I've shot and reloaded both many times and they are very nice shooter's. Both have top shelf VX-III glass and they group very well.

On the other hand, a good friend of mine has the A-Bolt II with the Boss. 270 win. and it also has top shelf Leupold glass and groups very well. The BOSS, if that is the one your referring to, not only reduces felt recoil by quite a bit, but also allows you to tune out some harmonic distortion edge them an edge on obtainable accuracy for most any loads.

No doubt, the Browing is going likely hit you a little harder in the pocket book. And the M77 will not disappoint you and should group just fine for any huntng application.

Chambering, that's an area that most will likely disagree with me on. I'm a big fan of the .270 win. and 7mm RM for deer, elk, antelope and even black bear. I've owned, hand loaded for, and hunted with the 30-06, and don't really think it has anything on the .270 win. and certainly not the 7mm RM, other than the fact that you have far more bullet choices for the .30 cal. cartridges. The .280 Rem however doesn't impress me much, in my personal opinion. And a .308 is well below my personal desired performance range for hunting anything larger than deer, but I'm sure many have taken elk with them.

And depending where you plan to do most of your hunting will have a lot to do with how far your shots will average. I live in Arizona, and it is not at all unusual to take shots at 300 yds. and much more. Our public lands will often present shots that far exceed what most average hunter's would shoot at. This hunting season alone, myself, my Son's, and other's we've guided have killed at distances out past 500 yds. with both the .270's and 7 mags.. We have one more last season couse deer hunt to guide, and it will again be in country that doesn't usually offer shots under 200 yds., if lucky.

Pick one, put some quality glass on it, and learn to shoot it with confidence, and odds are the animal won't know the difference with a properely placed kill shot. I have a guide friend I've known for about 25 yrs. that hunts only with a .243 win., and he has killed numerous bear, elk, and deer with it. I know, I only added to your confusion and delemna!

 

[pwrstrkd]

Ruger for sure. Dont buy browning, its junk. Besides the fact that its made in Japan, its just poor quality. Buy a ruger, a company that stands behind its product and are only made in America.

 

[ShortFatHokie]

Go with the A-bolt in 30-06 and don't look back...

 

[Fumbler]

Ruger for sure. Dont buy browning, its junk. Besides the fact that its made in Japan, its just poor quality. Buy a ruger, a company that stands behind its product and are only made in America.

Why is the Browning junk? If you don't give any specific reasons then your input isn't worth anything.
If you're going to take the time to reply to a thread you may as well make your post worthwhile to read.

I'm not agreeing or disagreeing with you, I'm honestly curious about your reasoning.
The only thing I gathered was you like domestically produced stuff (I do too).

Go with the A-bolt in 30-06 and don't look back...

Why?

 

[Float Pilot]

I really helps to fondle and play with five or six rifles and see which one fits your body better. Wearing the clothes or at least clothes as thick as those you will be wearing while hunting or shooting.
Things like bolt manipulation, safety manipulation and cheek weld location can make a huge difference.

 

[jogar80]

I would go with the A-bolt over the hawkeye, but I'd go for the browning x-bolt over the a-bolt. The differences are more than just an adjustable trigger. The x-bolt has a very different stock design, removable box magazine, and is A LOT lighter than the a-bolt. The x-bolt handles VERY well and is very accurate. Have one in .308 and its great, though I did end up having to put a muzzle brake on it.

 

[Bobson]

Have one in .308 and its great, though I did end up having to put a muzzle brake on it.

The same friend of mine I mentioned in post #1 has an older M77 in .300 Win Mag. The barrel is threaded. I assume its for a muzzle brake, because he doesn't have a can for the rifle (thought I don't know that he has a threaded muzzle brake either). Is there a specific company that makes threaded muzzle brakes? Or is it preferred to have a brake permanently affixed to the barrel?