RAR 7.62X39 vs 77/357

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sd550

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I'm looking for a short to mid range rifle with a detachable mag (new state law won't allow any ammo in the rifle during transport) for critter control on our properties. I really like the 77/357 (I have several 77 rifles) due to it's weight, being stainless steel and in a caliber that I own many handguns of, but I've heard more horror stories of it's accuracy than of good ones. I know the American in general is pretty accurate, but heard of the mag issues they were having, but now with the RAR with the Mini-30 mag that shouldn't be a problem. So now I ask, which one and why.

Thanks................sd550
 
I really, really like all of the Americans. Check out their website, they now offering all of their versions that will either use AR magazines in 223 and 6.5 Grendle and Accuracy International magazines in the other short action rifles, 308, 6.5 Creedmoor and 7-08. Not any available yet, but on their website.

The 7.62 version uses Mini-30 magazines and wouldn't be a bad option. But for your uses I'd wait on the 223 version to use AR magazines.
 
IMO having owned the 77/revolver in a couple calibers and a 450bushmaster American there’s no comparison

The 77 is built like a big 22, the American is a center fire modern bolt gun that takes readily available mags. This is a great example of why being more expensive is not automatically better.

7.62x39 is going to be far more accurate, versatile, powerful and longer ranged. It’s also cheaper as well.

The ability to shoot 38’s is a not the advantage you may think it will be. I’ve owned a bunch of 38/357 rifles and while you CAN shoot both the point of impact is so different (feet at 50) that you will have to completely rezero between loads.
 
While I get wanting a nice clean lines on a rifle there is no reason to buy such a scope today.

The 3x9x40 is such a ubiquitous item you will get a far better scope for the same dollar spent by choosing this “default” size.

Today you don’t get a bigger field of view, you don’t get better optics you just get a more compact optic with fewer features and less versatility
 
R.W.Dale said:
While I get wanting a nice clean lines on a rifle there is no reason to buy such a scope today.

The 3x9x40 is such a ubiquitous item you will get a far better scope for the same dollar spent by choosing this “default” size.

Today you don’t get a bigger field of view, you don’t get better optics you just get a more compact optic with fewer features and less versatility
Click to expand...

But do you get it for $50?

An x39 rifle is a short range gun, you don't need a whole lot of scope.
 
Mosin Bubba said:
The RAR in x39 is perfect for your situation. Mount a straight-four shotgun scope on it and call it a day.
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Mosin Bubba said:
But do you get it for $50?

An x39 rifle is a short range gun, you don't need a whole lot of scope.
Click to expand...

There’s not a $50 scope made fit to put on anything that doesn’t say Nerf on it somewhere

My longest kill on game (deer) to date was 278 yards with a 7.62x39 ar15 a good shooting 7.62x39 is easily a 200yard rifle
 
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Mosin Bubba said:
But do you get it for $50?

An x39 rifle is a short range gun, you don't need a whole lot of scope.
Click to expand...

If you consider 300 yards short range, then yea. An American bolt action in 7.62x39 will be a MOA gun, even at 300 with decent ammo, and no more than 6" at 300 with bulk ammo.

Get the American Ranch in x39. You won't regret it.
 
OK, I have have both of those rifles. My .357 is really accurate and a ton of fun to shoot. It is a dream to carry around. The magazines function perfectly with .357 rounds and it is perfect for family members/non shooters.

The 7.62x39 is also a great rifle! I have a few hundred rounds of Golden Tiger through it without a hitch. It is surprisingly accurate with this ammo, so much so that I bought several thousand rounds to have in reserve. It is my son's favorite rifle right now, even more so than the AR's. It is decently powerful, accurate and uses good magazines. The magazines can be expensive, but when you buy the rifle, Ruger supplied a coupon that can cut down the price. I should also add it has virtually no recoil.

It should be noted that Ruger appears to have added AR style magazines to the 5.56 version of the Ranch. That might be something to consider.

Of the two, the .357 is definitely a "situational" rifle. I tend to use it around my desert home and rural property where I realistically would not be shooting very far. The 7.62x39 is a better truck gun for me as it has decent range and power. If I could have only one, I would keep the 7.62x39. The 77/357 is more nicely made, but the American is more versatile.

Hope this helps,

Matt
 
I have the RAR 7.62x39 and I really like it.
I was thinking about the RAR 5.56x45 at the time but was turned off by the magazine, glad to here Ruger is offering this with a AR mag.
I wondered why their 5.56x45 was not originally fitted for the mini 14 mag?
 
As far as critter control goes, I've had very good luck with my 22 MAG rifle. 40 grain jacketed hollow tips hit like a small grenade and cause devastating wound channels within reasonable distances.

TR
 
sd550 said:
I appreciate all the replies on this and went ahead and ordered the RAR 7.62X39. I figured for the price difference between the two I could get a good scope and a few rounds of ammo.

Thanks
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You may want to stock up. I have a baaaaaaaad feeling the cheap 7.62x39 is going away as our relationship with Russia deteriorates. The time is now to get quantities while you can.
 
R.W.Dale said:
While I get wanting a nice clean lines on a rifle there is no reason to buy such a scope today.

The 3x9x40 is such a ubiquitous item you will get a far better scope for the same dollar spent by choosing this “default” size.

Today you don’t get a bigger field of view, you don’t get better optics you just get a more compact optic with fewer features and less versatility
Click to expand...
I go the opposite direction. I see very little utility in that ubiquitous 3-9x if you don’t hunt out west. In the eastern woods, it’s more weight, bulk and magnification than one really needs. A compact 1-4x is plenty. Same for a fixed 4x, without the utility of lower magnification.
 
jmr40 said:
I really, really like all of the Americans. Check out their website, they now offering all of their versions that will either use AR magazines in 223 and 6.5 Grendle and Accuracy International magazines in the other short action rifles, 308, 6.5 Creedmoor and 7-08. Not any available yet, but on their website.

The 7.62 version uses Mini-30 magazines and wouldn't be a bad option. But for your uses I'd wait on the 223 version to use AR magazines.
Click to expand...
Great have had the Predator in 223 for just under a year using rotary mags and now they bring out a version that takes AR mags, I guess there is the ability to convert at some time but at what price. This may also be the reason Magpul has delayed the release of their Hunter American Stock.
 
My favorite scope is a 3x9x40. It offers enough magnification for my poor eyes to be useful at ranges longer than I shoot. On 3X they have more than adequate field of view for moving deer at very short ranges. Because its the most common scope size it also means you can get very good glass for the money spent. I don't see the utility of a 4X since they are generally the same size and cost as a 3-9x40. I also can't see the need for less magnification than 3X. I've never wanted to turn down the scope any more than that while hunting.
 
Why are you stuck on calibers that limit your range? Why not 223 or 300 B-O? As for the RAR, I have 2 (1 in 308, 1 in 300 B-O) and I'm happy with both. Also enjoy my Mossberg MVP thunder ranch in 223 (AR mags)
 
FL-NC said:
Why are you stuck on calibers that limit your range? Why not 223 or 300 B-O? As for the RAR, I have 2 (1 in 308, 1 in 300 B-O) and I'm happy with both. Also enjoy my Mossberg MVP thunder ranch in 223 (AR mags)
Click to expand...

The 300 B-O doesn't limit your range but the 7.62x39 does? Please explain. I can't wait to hear.

As for the optic, I killed truckloads of critters for 30+ years with nothing more than a 4x Weaver.
 
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