RUGER M77 GUNSITE SCOUT
Posted May 19, 2023
RUGER M77 GUNSITE SCOUT: REVIEW
The Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout is a bolt-action, magazine-fed rifle developed by Sturm, Ruger & Co. in collaboration with the late Col. Jeff Cooper, a renowned firearms instructor, author, and founder of the Gunsite Academy. The rifle is chambered in either .308 Winchester, or .223 Remington, and its practical application is for fast and accurate mid-range shooting, as meant for the precision scout rifle – its namesake. With its purpose being to provide a balance between accuracy, portability, and reloading speed, Ruger and Cooper’s collaboration has produced a rifle that is both versatile for range of purposes and reliable over the course of its lifespan.
The M77 Gunsite Scout is built with Ruger’s renowned and time-proven Cold Hammer Forged (CHF) barrel, which is operated with a Mauser-style controlled round feed. This gives the rifle not only excellent strength and durability, but also outstanding accuracy at ranges of up to 500 yards. The barrel is threaded to accept a moderate length thread protector, or more specialized muzzle devices, like the Ruger Flash Suppressor, or to mount a suppressor (subject to local laws). To aid in accuracy and recoil management, the rifle is also fitted with Ruger’s patented LC6™ Trigger system. This allows for a crisp and consistent break for every shot while maintaining excellent accuracy.
The M77 Gunsite Scout ships in its standard factory configuration, which includes iron sights, but also gives the user an option of mounting several different types of optics. The forward-mounted Picatinny rail provides a secure and rigid optic mounting system, and the rifle's Scout-scope positioning allows the user to continue the use of the iron sights with or without an optic, depending on preference, positioned in front the scope for use in close-quarters shooting. While iron sights are provided standard, several other options, with both fixed and adjustable capabilities, are available from aftermarket manufacturers. The rifle also features a simple, yet conveniently designed top loading system, which allows the user to load rounds from both the magazine and the chamber at the same time, without the need for an external charging system or handle; its manual safety provides a familiar three-position system, while also allowing the bolt to remain open in the "safe" position.
The M77 Gunsite Scout is not only well optimized for precision shooting, its lightweight yet ergonomic design make it suitable for hunting, as well. This twenty-one-inch barreled rifle weighs in at roughly seven and a half pounds, making it easily transportable to and from the field, as well as reduce user fatigue over the course of a long day of shooting. Its manageable length also makes it an ideal option for use within vehicles, or in more densely wooded areas. Getting into and out of a hunting situation is made easier by the scope positioning, which allows a fast and sure on-target placement, and facilitates the use of iron sights, should the need arise. The rifle also features a VersaMax adjustable gas block and piston system, to make recoil management and the extraction of rounds from the chamber, easier. The VersaMax system also provides extra protection against expansion gasses, while making the rifle significantly easier to clean.
The M77 Gunsite Scout is fairly easily upgradable, allowing its user to customize it to his or her needs. Ruger has produced several variations of this rifle, offering different stock configurations, barrel lengths, and calibers, such as 6.5 Creedmoor and .450 Bushmaster. The stock itself is a one-piece, ergonomic design that fits well in the hand and reduces the amount of felt recoil. The stock is injection molded out of high-grade polymer for strength and affordability, and its colour can be changed with the wide variety of colour-matched options available from the factory. Additionally, several aftermarket components, such as adjustable cheek rests, improved ergonomics, and other, are available for the rifle. Also, the rail system is machined for the mounting of a wide range of accessories, such as bipods, bayonets (subject to local laws), or the Ruger Light Mount for mounting flashlights and lasers.
In conclusion, the Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout is an excelling and well-designed firearm that fulfills its purpose as a precision scout rifle perfectly. Its combination of accuracy and portability makes it a suitable option for both precision shooting and hunting, over medium to long range distances. The rifle is well suited for its primary function as an accurate, mobile, and versatile bolt-action rifle, and its easily upgradable design and removable muzzle device adapts to a variety of shooting and hunting applications. With its weather resistant, aluminum alloy construction, its VersaMax adjustable gas block and piston system, and its efficient magazine system, the M77 Gunsite Scout provides its user a reliable yet adept system for engaging targets precisely at a distance. All in all, it is a commendable rifle for a range of applications, and, given a careful hands-on evaluation of its features and specs before deciding to purchase, the Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout could be a great option for the precision shooter and the hunter alike.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Short, lightweight design makes it great for carrying and handling in tight spaces
-Excellent for hunting and target shooting
-Features an ergonomic, adjustable stock, 3-position safety, and a Weaver-style scope mount
-High-quality, reliable construction
-High-velocity firing for long distances
Cons:
-Relatively high price and some accessories are not included
-It may not be large enough for some shooters
-Recoil can be a bit stout for some shooters
-Trigger pull can be a bit heavy for some shooters.
Who Should Buy
RUGER M77 GUNSITE SCOUT rifles are designed for hunting and target shooting. As a result, they are best suited for those who are experienced with firearms and have an understanding of how to safely handle and operate firearms. People who are new to firearms should seek instruction and training in firearm safety and operation from a qualified instructor before using them. Additionally, those who are not legally allowed to own firearms should not attempt to purchase or own a RUGER M77 GUNSITE SCOUT rifle.
Comparisons
| Gun Model | Caliber | Barrel Length | Magazine Capacity | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruger M77 | .308 Win | 16.5" | 10 Rounds | $949.00 |
| Marlin 336 | .30-30 | 18.0" | 6 Rounds | $513.00 |
| Winchester 94 | .30-30 | 20.0" | 6 Rounds | $615.00 |
| CVA Optima | .243 Win & .30-06 | 24.0" | 3 Rounds | $416.99 |
Features / Specs
- Caliber: .308 Winchester
- Rate of Twist: 1 in 10"
- Capacity: 5 rounds
- Barrel Length: 16.5"
- Stock: Black Synthetic
- Sights: Folding Adjustable Ghost Ring Rear & Blade Front
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Overall Length: 34"
- Finish: Matte Black
Popular Accessories
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- Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout Scope Mount
- Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout Flash Hider
- Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout Stock Pack
- Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout Picatinny Rail
- Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout Recoil Pad
- Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout Detachable Magazine Kit
- Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout Grip Cap
- Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout Extended Magazine Release
- Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout Trigger Guard
- Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout Sling Mounts
Accuracy
The Ruger M77 Gunsite Scout is highly accurate for its intended role as a rifle for medium range shooting, and even longer range shots. The tight manufacturing tolerances and the quality of the materials used when crafting these rifles, as well as quality control during production, all contribute to the rifle's accuracy. This rifle features a steel receiver, a cold hammer-forged barrel, and eddy adjustable trigger. The gun is highly accurate out of the box, with some users reporting 1 MOA groupings down to 100 yards with factory ammunition.
