I bought a Ruger M77 stainless .30-06 "boat paddle" rifle back in 2000 to use for deer and elk in Idaho. It was accurate, but the trigger was heavy and the rifle was heavy. Recoil was pretty stiff as well. But, I used it to kill a few deer over the years. I found the shiny stainless finish to be a bit ridiculous for the woods and promptly did my first camouflage job on it.
I eventually moved all over the US and only recently moved back to the PNW. I started evaluating my hunting firearms and found the old Ruger lacking. I also discovered that those old "boat paddle" rifles were worth more that what I paid. So, I cleaned mine up, removing all of the paint and tape, and sold it on Gunbroker for $800.
I then decided to replace it with a lighter, shorter, and more accurate rifle in .308. I bought a Ruger American Rifle Predator off of Gunbroker for $450. I got it last week and have already added a Nikon P-Tactical 3x9 scope, a Limbsaver Kodiak Lite sling, an Axis Mfg. recoil brake, and a new custom camo job courtesy of some spray paint and branches in my yard.
Taking it out tomorrow to the range to see what it can do with a few different handload recipes.
I eventually moved all over the US and only recently moved back to the PNW. I started evaluating my hunting firearms and found the old Ruger lacking. I also discovered that those old "boat paddle" rifles were worth more that what I paid. So, I cleaned mine up, removing all of the paint and tape, and sold it on Gunbroker for $800.
I then decided to replace it with a lighter, shorter, and more accurate rifle in .308. I bought a Ruger American Rifle Predator off of Gunbroker for $450. I got it last week and have already added a Nikon P-Tactical 3x9 scope, a Limbsaver Kodiak Lite sling, an Axis Mfg. recoil brake, and a new custom camo job courtesy of some spray paint and branches in my yard.
Taking it out tomorrow to the range to see what it can do with a few different handload recipes.
