You are going to love this thing. The .44 Mag is a reloaders dream. Super versatile loaded down to .44 Special or pumped up full power you can get over 2000 fps with 180gr loads.
Hey from next door in Warren Co. Tollivers is a great store. Most of my hunting life I used my Ruger 44 carbine semiautomatic with open sights. Shots weren’t far but I never had a deer that did not go more than 10 yards and I never missed. My old gun is accurate at 50 yards. I always used Federal 240 grain JHP. They were loaded with Sierras. Love your channel! 👍 10:09
I had a 1965 Ruger .44 carbine. Took a couple deer with it . The Ruger carbines are frickin sledge hammers for deer out to 100 yards. Just about the perfect gun for close in , thick woods deer rifles . You’re going to enjoy that one!!!
I have 4 of those. Two in 357 mag and two in 44 mag. Two have threaded barrels and the other two don't. I have a Boyds At-One thumb hole forest camo stock on one with a Power Custom extended magazine release and Volquartsen target sear that's for the M77/22, but also works on the M77/44 & M77/357. They are decently accurate, but nothing special. The main advantage they have is they are very light weight and much easier to clean and maintain than a lever action rifle. Factory ammo is expensive, but I handload my own ammo and when I use my homemade cast lead bullets that I powder coat the total cost is around the same as factory 9mm ammo. A 44 mag or 357 mag long gun literally gives you the most bang for your buck if you handload your own ammo because you can easily get over 100 ft lbs muzzle energy for each grain of gun powder used. Most other calibers are half that efficient in terms of muzzle energy per grain of gun powder. Plus straight walled calibers are 3-4 easier to handload than any bottle neck caliber.
I have this rifle with the wood stock and blued barrel. I bought it because it’s the lightest straight walled cartridge rifle from a manufacturer I trust (5.5lbs per Ruger’s website). I can appreciate that you like suppressors - I have 4 myself - but the oddball threading of this rifle (11/16), added cost of around +$100, and the prospect of adding a pound of weight to the front of a rifle I bought for its light weight was too much to justify it for me.
Silencer Central has a boatload of thread adapters, including metrics and two 46 cal cans that are neither long or heavy compared to many. But if yours/mine isn't threaded I wouldn't give it another thought either. 🙂.
Being 74 years old and having been around hunting and fishing my entire life I bought the Ruger 77 in the 338 Winchester Mag back in 2015 . The one thing that’s different in Alaska is Moose are often found at the river’s edge and they can weigh anywhere from 400-800 pounds and if you’ve ever tried remove anything like this from a river that’s 5 feet deep and flowing with any speed at all that weighs 400-700 pounds, well I am sure you know what I am talking about. Moose have to be anchored on an elevated spot usually surrounded by running water.
The gun shop should sponsor your channel and have you zero rifles - they would then include a certificate, the target sheet, and a box of the appropriate ammo - you could do special videos without having to purchase the gun or ammo😊
Except the guns would then be used.. the cost and drop in value wouldn't make sense.. even used rifles, you'd need to try 2-4 boxes of ammo =$100? They can't sell partial boxes of ammo etc..
@@mikecollins8241 they wouldn’t sell them cheaper they would raise the price, clearly your not the type but some people go berserk over anything touched by any sort of “celebrity”. All the guns are test fired already at the factory, a few more rounds changes nothing. Personally I agree I’d want the one in the box not zeroed, I enjoy the process though and don’t care about the celebrity nonsense so for me it would be all downsides.
@@mikecollins8241 you do know that techincally a gun is used when you buy it, they are fired at the factory before they leave so there for the weapon is used.
Ya know, I was actually checking these 44 mags, ruger m77/44, but up here in canada where I live, the exact same rifle will run you 1400-1800 bucks, easy, all depends on who has them in stock, I myself shoot a 44 mag, lever rifle ,chiappa model 1892, 16.5"barrel, using American eagle j.h.p., 240 grain, my little carbine luvs these bullets, I know you'll like the 44 mag, they pak a punch for sure, gets the job done fast, stay safe wtw, shakyjake out.
With the advent of straight-wall cartridges becoming legal in so many formerly shotgun only states, Ruger should do more production runs for this model. I have an older stainless version that I bought for Iowa deer. Paired it with a now disco'd Leupold 1.5-4X shotgun/muzzleloader scope (thick reticle) it is a true whitetail hammer. It is perfect for snap-shooting close range deer during drives, deer just drop in their tracks! It is not the most accurate rifle I own but with 18 one-shot kills so far, I can't complain. I can get sub-2" 100 yd groups Hornady XTP 240s over a stout load of Blue Dot as its preferred load. Typically keeping my game shots under 100 yards but I practice banging steel with it out to 150-175 yards using the bottom post of the reticle. I've used the .44 mag for deer for 25+ years in T/C's & revolvers, it has rarely let me down.
@@WHOTEEWHO I don't buy factory ammo in .44 but I have tested just about every jacket & lead boolit available from 180-265 grain & powders from H110, 2400 & 4227. I settled on the 240 XTP & Blue Dot for economy & consistency (plus it was my old Super-14 Contender load). I prefer Starline brass & WW primers...of course, YMMV ;)
I have a .44mag Ruger semiauto carbine from the 1960s, I love it!!! If you see it from a distance you would think its a 10/22, infact its the pattern a 10/22 was based on. Snagged it from Cabelas back in the day for a smokin deal, especially compared to what they are for on Gunbroker now.
I am a big admirer of your channel and enjoy listening to you. Thanks for all your experience and impressions on firearms and ammo! You are a natural at this and wish you the Best!!!
I have the same rifle in .357 magnum. It also shoots 38 special from the same rotary magazine. Yours will also shoot 44 specials from the same rotary mag. I really like mine and have been wanting the same one you have except with the walnut stock. I guess I'm just old school and like wood stocks. Look forward to seeing your first shots.
I sold my 77/44 3 years ago. I bought it because my bother had one that shot into less than 2'' at 100 yards. Mine was terribly inaccurate. The best it would do with any ammo (I tried 180, 200, 225 240 and 300 grain bullets from all sorts of manufacturers) was 3 1/2'' at 50 yards. I tried 3 different scopes that I was sure were good as they came from other rifles of mine that worked perfectly and when reinstalled were perfect. This gun just would not shoot well. I paid just over 7 for it 8 years ago. I sold it 3 years ago for 11 and was happy to see it go away. I have an older 77/22 Magnum in stainless and that gun is a whole different animal. The machining, finish, and overall workmanship of that gun is vastly superior to the 77/44 stainless I had. The 77/22 Mag I have will shoot its favorite loads under 1'' at 100 yards.
I’m actually shocked it sat there for that long, my luck is I see one 5 minutes before the store closes and show up at opening the next day and someone already bought the dang thing.
Super nice rifles! For years-a 44 mag rifle was my go to for deer in Indiana bc we couldn’t use any rifles other than pistol caliber up to 500 s&w. Good for deer inside 100ish yards (which is where a majority of deer get taken). I would suggest the Timney sear and spring upgrade-makes the trigger much better.
Introduced in 1968, the Ruger M77 Hawkeye offered many things: low cost, great looks and the appearance of controlled feed. The M77 Mk II had a three-position safety and hinged floorplate. It was a rifle of the '90s. Back then, factory triggers often broke like rusty trailer latches. What you got is Ruger M77/44.
Hawkeye didn't happen until after the Mark II. Before that it was simply the Ruger model 77. Early ones had basic scope mounts before Ruger designed their own direct mount ring system. The 77 Hawkeye really wasn't much different than the Mark II. Slight changes in the trigger and they switched from traditional blueing to a mat black finish. Biggest difference between the original Mod 77 and the other two was the safety position. Switching from the tang safety to the three position on the bolt.
I have a Rem 788 in 44 mag. Whotee this bolt action 44 mag is the best darn rifle I own. It will shock you when you take it hunting. The 44 is the perfect deer and bear rifle under a 100yds. Just devastating. With 2 holes in the deer, tracking is easy since there is a gusher of a blood trail. Truly remarkable. Your factory ammo will gain 400-700 fps.. Yup that's right. The best rifle ammo I found is the Winchester White box. Mason Outdoors here on YT has done tons of gel testing on the 44 mag out of his carbine. White box has massive penetration. I also use Magtech and Herters. It is the same ammo reboxed.
If I could have a suppressor when I was younger I wouldn’t have hearing loss. For many years we shot everything without hearing protection. No one in those days wore hearing protection when shooting.
Get some 180 or 200 grain loads if you plan to hunt deer, you should easily be able to reach out to 150 yards. I shoot 180s in my 7.5" Redhawk and can hit 8 to 10 inch target regularly at 100 yards with open sights so with that longer barrel youll have no issues. Nice find. There is a M77/357 Ive been pondering at a shop near me, if it were 44 I wouldve already bought it.
I’ve taken several deer and a bear with the 44 mag. Great round! Mostly with my Redhawks 7 1/2”-44 but a buddy a few years ago lined me his 44 carbine and it chrono’d at 1780 f/ps and at 90 yards smacked the snot out of a big doe. She went about 10’ and dropped over. I used 240 gr Hornady xtp’s loaded over little gun. Love the videos!!
Ive done a lot of things I haven’t done in decades since subscribing to your channel the past couple of months. I’ve got a Ruger 44 semi auto, the Ruger 96 in 44 mag and a IMI Timber Wolf in 44 mag pump action. I haven’t even thought about those guns in years. Been reloading 44 mag for a smith & Wesson 1854 for months. Gonna have to pull those out of the safe and have some fun. The Timber Wolf is a fun gun to shoot. Thanks for the reminder whoteewho.
I don't have a problem with suppressors if you like them cool . I cant see spending $1,000-4,000 dollars for a suppressor . I can have a customized rifle for the cost of a suppressor . Hell i can buy a budget rifle scope ammo and a case for the cost of the average suppressor . So for me I would rather have more bean bangs that a suppressor . Personally muzzle breaks work best . Just look at the bench & competition shooter's they all use muzzle breaks for the best groups . The main reason i don't care for them I have long 24 , 26 and 28 inch barrels on everything i own so a 5-10in suppressor is to long . But to each their own. Nothing tames magnum cartridges like a good muzzle break the EZ-Tuner break is one of the best made by Erik Cortina our top US competition shooter . God bless you and your family God-bless America 🇺🇸
While all of your points are certainly valid I believe you are missing some of the main benefits. First off I look at my suppressor as pro active hearing protection. Even though with most supersonic ammo the gun is not hearing safe I think most would agree it’s much better. I still use plugs with every shot possible but sometimes hunting things happen fast. The next benefit is no muzzle flash, that’s been well known to cause flinch especially to newer shooters. I feel one of the best benefits is the recoil reduction equivalent to a mild muzzle break without the deafening concussion. An aggressive break will certainly reduce felt recoil more than any suppressor I own but not by a lot. The last benefit that I feel is important is with the other benefits above allows me to shoot better. I don’t believe it makes the rifle more accurate but definitely helps me do my part better. The big down sides are extra length and weight of the firearm along with the ATF BS. I certainly feel the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
What a find. If I were you, I wouldn’t “trash the box”. I have a one year run, stainless M77 Hawkeye in 358 Winchester. I still have the original box for it. The reason for keeping the original box… it’s worth more w/the box. I don’t know what my 358 is worth but they only made them 1 or 2 years in 2013-14. They are rare. I put a cheap Bushnell Trophy 2x7 on it. Same Type of synthetic stock & rings. It will match that 300 PRC you had in groups at 100 yds. I flat love it. Won’t sell it for it’s one of my favorites. Great pig & deer rifle. You never know, that 44 may not be made much longer. Sometimes Ruger gets a wild hair up their ass & quit making stuff. Just my $.02.
A mate has a Ruger M77/357. Great little fun rifle. In 44 Magnum that’s a bit more punch alright. It’s a pity that Ruger dropped the M77 model as their flagship rifle. Thanks for sharing Hooty!
Awesome little Ruger! That will be cool to shoot with the Iron Sights and would also be cool with a little 1x6x24 LPVO on it. Awesome lightweight hunting rifle.
I have the 77/44 and 77/357. If you don’t like the trigger midway sells a replacement spring kit (possibly sear, can’t remember) that improves trigger immensely. I run old Leupold m8 compact scopes on mine in 4x36 or 6x36. Super fun guns and in pistol calibers that are handy. Keep that one forever.
I have one of the original Ruger m77/357 and love mine. you may want to try one of the M-CARBO trigger spring/shim kit for yours if you don't like the stock trigger on it. mines pulling at 2LBs with it was at 4-5LBs.
I had one in the blued and walnut stock. Loved the rifle, but it wouldn't shoot ANYTHING heavier than 210 grains inside 3" at 100yds. Just couldn't justify keeping a firearm that doesn't shoot inside 1-1/2" at 100.
The 77/357 and 77/44 are fine rifles. Do yourself a favor and pick up an extended mag release for it. If I am not mistaken there are some out there for 77/22 and will work with the two pistol caliber carbines. I've filled the freezer a couple of times with the 77 Series PCC bolt guns.
2-7×33 Leupold or 1-4×20 Leupold....the 33 is on a Ruger 77 22 Hornet..the 20 in on a Remington model 7(wood stock, scnabel forestock)love em both, lightweight!!!
I agree with you, suppressors are superb. In the past I always thought they were silly, until I got one. A LPVO, like a Leupold 1.5-5 power, seems like it would be ideal for this rifle.
I had a 96/44 with a wood stock and barrel band. It would not shoot. I tried a bunch of factory loads and different reloads. My smoothbore 870 slug gun shot better with homemade slug loads so the 96 got sold. I had a buddy that had this rifle, a 77/44, and it shot a little better. I wish you great success! Happy thoughts and hope that it was made with new tooling. If she shoots, I might have to look at getting one. Scopewise, a little 2x7 Burris or Leupold or a lower power would look good on the rig. When I was fighting with the 96, I has a 4x16 on it at one point. It looked like the scope was wearing the rifle...
Great rifle. Had a couple of them over the years. The 1 in 20 twist will handle the 300 gr bullets. Subsonics are easy to make. There is now a 10 shot magazine that should work. Looking forward to your tests.
Hey from next door in Warren Co. Tollivers is a great store. Most of my hunting life I used my Ruger 44 carbine semiautomatic with open sights. Shots weren’t far but I never had a deer that did not go more than 10 yards and I never missed. My old gun is accurate at 50 yards. I always used Federal 240 grain JHP. They were loaded with Sierras. Love your channel!
I don't think they make them anymore, but a Burris Mini 2-7x would be about perfect to me. I've had one on my 77/22 for 35+ years, the dimensiins and magnification range are a perfect fit for a 22 or 44. I have the 44 carbine, it's an outstanding deer rifle. I kick myself for not procuring 77/357 & /44 back when they were relatively cheap. 357 is a fantastic rifle round and wildly versatile. That short 77 action came in 22 hornet, too. It'll cost an organ or 2 today.
I bought a 44 marlin years ago. I've have a Rossi Puma in 357. I love both of them. One of my friends wants a bolt gun in 44. I've taken javelin with the Rossi and Marlin. I can imagine how accurate 44 mag would be in the 77 Ruger.
Awesome gun! Just curious, have you ever done a short vid covering some shooting tips that you’ve picked up over the years? You throw down some excellent groups, great shooting skill on your part. My favorite channel by far!
Never really done a tips video per say. Honestly the trick is to have a steady rest and break the trigger at the same spot every time. Not much more complicated than that
an EP5 for 44Mag, good thing the 30mm tube won't fit the Ruger. I think that combo would be so out if place. Then again you may be able to prove the viability of pistol calibres for ELP
Put a low power variable on the puppy. 2-7 or similar, light and compact with plenty of power out to a couple hundred yards. I guess a red dot would be great also?
She's a sweetheart, knew a couple of guys way back that had wood\blues ones but I never tried them out but always thought they'd be handy, for me scoping it would be one of my 2.5, 3 or 4 power straight Leapolds cuz that's what I use, hey have a good hunt\s, can't wait to see what it'll do for ya!
Howa's were excellent rifles. Well built and accurate. I believe the old Smith & Wesson bolt action rifle was a Howa 1500? Nice finds. Hang on to them if you can?
My dad got a m77/44 wood stock about 10 years ago and sent it to a company to get it integrally suppressed. All I can say is subsonic 44 mag sounds like nothing and supersonic sounds like a 22 maybe. Very accurate guns
Looks like a dang good shop. Fellow Tennessean here....I'm close to Shiloh and we have some good shops around here but what makes them great is the people that work in them. Best you will find in the world right here in Tennessee.
I have had 3 of these. 2 ss and one blue, all shoot great. i shot 240 gr Hornady XTP over 21 gr H110 mag primer. Got 1700 fps . killed several deer from 10yds out to 120 yds . got 2 of my biggest whitetails a 190 lb 8 point and a 215 lb ten point. I had a Leupold 3X9 on mine.
There’s an adapter made for Ruger 77’s to put a picatinny rail on top. I put one on mine to get away from having to use those Ruger mounts. The adapter is called ” WEIG-A-TINNY “
I have wanted one for years, I did know they were special order. I use the ultra dot in inch tube on ruger black hawk single six. When your done with it,I'll buy it nate Ps, fxt 225 grain are excellent choice for hunting or 240gr xtp 24.5 H 110 in pistol round
Got this years ago. Love it, except for major feeding problems. Looked at all the forums, tested with new mags, more tension onnthe spring in the mag etc. Got it to my gunsmith, he tried his tricks, so now its better but not 100%. But its a difficult caliber to chamber in that typ of mag/action. Better of in levers.. Greetings from Sweden!
Great rifle, I have one that is 14 years old. I like that ruger made it threaded. What scope you going to put on it? Warne makes 30mm rings for the m77
Been a while since I sighted in my .44mag lever gun, but I think you sight in 2" high at 25yds puts you dead on at 100yds. That may have been the formula for my 6" revolver though. I've had both for over 25 years, so it's been a long time.
They have always been pricey, but when one considers the co$t of a S&W 629 or Ruger Super Redhawk, it is not bad at all for a quality rifle. Good luck with it.
Having owned my 44 Mag Marlin Lever rifle for 2 decades+ IMO the 240 gn bullets are the way to go.. 180gn loads are faster, but don't have near the performance on deer, while giving a MUCH sharper recoil.. YMMY
![Gun Snobs HATE this Rifle!!! [With Full Ammo Test]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ucutmv7RJ8k/mqdefault.jpg)
25% OFF ARKEN optics with code: whoteewho
Ur shirt is on inside out😂?
Yes. I love the shirt buy don't wanna promote the company for free
@@WHOTEEWHO i thought of that but I was thinking maybe he just threw something on to make a vid for us😂😂
Thanks for replying means the world man. Love the content
@@fullthrottleproductions7493 appreciate you watching bigtime 🙏
You are going to love this thing. The .44 Mag is a reloaders dream. Super versatile loaded down to .44 Special or pumped up full power you can get over 2000 fps with 180gr loads.
180s or 200s are definitely the way to go if he plans to hunt deer with that rifle.
Agreed 👍
Hey from next door in Warren Co. Tollivers is a great store. Most of my hunting life I used my Ruger 44 carbine semiautomatic with open sights. Shots weren’t far but I never had a deer that did not go more than 10 yards and I never missed. My old gun is accurate at 50 yards. I always used Federal 240 grain JHP. They were loaded with Sierras. Love your channel! 👍 10:09
My Grandpa had one and my oldest brother used it for a hunting season. One day I plan to own one.
With a scope my brother was grouping pretty tight at 100 yards
I had a 1965 Ruger .44 carbine. Took a couple deer with it .
The Ruger carbines are frickin sledge hammers for deer out to 100 yards.
Just about the perfect gun for close in , thick woods deer rifles .
You’re going to enjoy that one!!!
I have 4 of those. Two in 357 mag and two in 44 mag. Two have threaded barrels and the other two don't. I have a Boyds At-One thumb hole forest camo stock on one with a Power Custom extended magazine release and Volquartsen target sear that's for the M77/22, but also works on the M77/44 & M77/357. They are decently accurate, but nothing special. The main advantage they have is they are very light weight and much easier to clean and maintain than a lever action rifle. Factory ammo is expensive, but I handload my own ammo and when I use my homemade cast lead bullets that I powder coat the total cost is around the same as factory 9mm ammo. A 44 mag or 357 mag long gun literally gives you the most bang for your buck if you handload your own ammo because you can easily get over 100 ft lbs muzzle energy for each grain of gun powder used. Most other calibers are half that efficient in terms of muzzle energy per grain of gun powder. Plus straight walled calibers are 3-4 easier to handload than any bottle neck caliber.
WHOTEE DONT TRDE THAT OFF TJOSE M77 ATE VERY HARTD TO GET..
I have this rifle with the wood stock and blued barrel. I bought it because it’s the lightest straight walled cartridge rifle from a manufacturer I trust (5.5lbs per Ruger’s website). I can appreciate that you like suppressors - I have 4 myself - but the oddball threading of this rifle (11/16), added cost of around +$100, and the prospect of adding a pound of weight to the front of a rifle I bought for its light weight was too much to justify it for me.
Silencer Central has a boatload of thread adapters, including metrics and two 46 cal cans that are neither long or heavy compared to many. But if yours/mine isn't threaded I wouldn't give it another thought either. 🙂.
They work well however with hot ammo you can have a stiff bolt lift to extract the cases. Make sure you lubricate the bolt
Throw a red dot on it
Being 74 years old and having been around hunting and fishing my entire life I bought the Ruger 77 in the 338 Winchester Mag back in 2015 . The one thing that’s different in Alaska is Moose are often found at the river’s edge and they can weigh anywhere from 400-800 pounds and if you’ve ever tried remove anything like this from a river that’s 5 feet deep and flowing with any speed at all that weighs 400-700 pounds, well I am sure you know what I am talking about. Moose have to be anchored on an elevated spot usually surrounded by running water.
The gun shop should sponsor your channel and have you zero rifles - they would then include a certificate, the target sheet, and a box of the appropriate ammo - you could do special videos without having to purchase the gun or ammo😊
Now that's a concept. 👌
Except the guns would then be used.. the cost and drop in value wouldn't make sense.. even used rifles, you'd need to try 2-4 boxes of ammo =$100? They can't sell partial boxes of ammo etc..
Agree with you, wrote similar to WTW some time ago. People pay premium if they get rifle with known accuracy and ammo.
@@mikecollins8241 they wouldn’t sell them cheaper they would raise the price, clearly your not the type but some people go berserk over anything touched by any sort of “celebrity”. All the guns are test fired already at the factory, a few more rounds changes nothing.
Personally I agree I’d want the one in the box not zeroed, I enjoy the process though and don’t care about the celebrity nonsense so for me it would be all downsides.
@@mikecollins8241 you do know that techincally a gun is used when you buy it, they are fired at the factory before they leave so there for the weapon is used.
Ya know, I was actually checking these 44 mags, ruger m77/44, but up here in canada where I live, the exact same rifle will run you 1400-1800 bucks, easy, all depends on who has them in stock, I myself shoot a 44 mag, lever rifle ,chiappa model 1892, 16.5"barrel, using American eagle j.h.p., 240 grain, my little carbine luvs these bullets, I know you'll like the 44 mag, they pak a punch for sure, gets the job done fast, stay safe wtw, shakyjake out.
With the advent of straight-wall cartridges becoming legal in so many formerly shotgun only states, Ruger should do more production runs for this model. I have an older stainless version that I bought for Iowa deer. Paired it with a now disco'd Leupold 1.5-4X shotgun/muzzleloader scope (thick reticle) it is a true whitetail hammer. It is perfect for snap-shooting close range deer during drives, deer just drop in their tracks! It is not the most accurate rifle I own but with 18 one-shot kills so far, I can't complain. I can get sub-2" 100 yd groups Hornady XTP 240s over a stout load of Blue Dot as its preferred load. Typically keeping my game shots under 100 yards but I practice banging steel with it out to 150-175 yards using the bottom post of the reticle. I've used the .44 mag for deer for 25+ years in T/C's & revolvers, it has rarely let me down.
Wow awesome. I can't wait to ammo test it
@@WHOTEEWHO I don't buy factory ammo in .44 but I have tested just about every jacket & lead boolit available from 180-265 grain & powders from H110, 2400 & 4227. I settled on the 240 XTP & Blue Dot for economy & consistency (plus it was my old Super-14 Contender load). I prefer Starline brass & WW primers...of course, YMMV ;)
That’s awesome. I’ve not seen one of those myself. I’ve considered the M77/357 a few times. Can’t wait to see how that one does. 👍👍
I have a box fed lever Ruger 96/44... beautiful rifle. They're over $1200 used now.
Great weapon.
I have a .44mag Ruger semiauto carbine from the 1960s, I love it!!! If you see it from a distance you would think its a 10/22, infact its the pattern a 10/22 was based on. Snagged it from Cabelas back in the day for a smokin deal, especially compared to what they are for on Gunbroker now.
Those are great rifles. I own one also.
The "Hawkeye" is a relatively new designation. The originals were just Ruger M77.
I am a big admirer of your channel and enjoy listening to you. Thanks for all your experience and impressions on firearms and ammo! You are a natural at this and wish you the Best!!!
I appreciate that, thanks for watching!
There's an even rarer Ruger carbine in .44 mag and that's the Ruger Deerfield semi auto .44 mag.
👍🏻💥
Also there's a Ruger deer slayer that looks like a big 10/22 got a buddy that has one
@@markburkholder3571I have one, it’s my favorite rifle.
The coolest one they made very few of, looks like a mini 14, last version they made
@@markburkholder357110/44 loud little buggers.
2x7x32 leupold freedom is a perfect match for that feller
I have the same rifle in .357 magnum. It also shoots 38 special from the same rotary magazine. Yours will also shoot 44 specials from the same rotary mag. I really like mine and have been wanting the same one you have except with the walnut stock. I guess I'm just old school and like wood stocks. Look forward to seeing your first shots.
What a coincidence. I just squelched my new rifle hankering with a new Howa M1500 Super Deluxe Walnut.
Awesome
I sold my 77/44 3 years ago. I bought it because my bother had one that shot into less than 2'' at 100 yards. Mine was terribly inaccurate. The best it would do with any ammo (I tried 180, 200, 225 240 and 300 grain bullets from all sorts of manufacturers) was 3 1/2'' at 50 yards. I tried 3 different scopes that I was sure were good as they came from other rifles of mine that worked perfectly and when reinstalled were perfect. This gun just would not shoot well. I paid just over 7 for it 8 years ago. I sold it 3 years ago for 11 and was happy to see it go away. I have an older 77/22 Magnum in stainless and that gun is a whole different animal. The machining, finish, and overall workmanship of that gun is vastly superior to the 77/44 stainless I had. The 77/22 Mag I have will shoot its favorite loads under 1'' at 100 yards.
I’m actually shocked it sat there for that long, my luck is I see one 5 minutes before the store closes and show up at opening the next day and someone already bought the dang thing.
Super nice rifles! For years-a 44 mag rifle was my go to for deer in Indiana bc we couldn’t use any rifles other than pistol caliber up to 500 s&w. Good for deer inside 100ish yards (which is where a majority of deer get taken).
I would suggest the Timney sear and spring upgrade-makes the trigger much better.
Introduced in 1968, the Ruger M77 Hawkeye offered many things: low cost, great looks and the appearance of controlled feed.
The M77 Mk II had a three-position safety and hinged floorplate. It was a rifle of the '90s. Back then, factory triggers often broke like rusty trailer latches.
What you got is Ruger M77/44.
Hawkeye didn't happen until after the Mark II. Before that it was simply the Ruger model 77. Early ones had basic scope mounts before Ruger designed their own direct mount ring system. The 77 Hawkeye really wasn't much different than the Mark II. Slight changes in the trigger and they switched from traditional blueing to a mat black finish. Biggest difference between the original Mod 77 and the other two was the safety position. Switching from the tang safety to the three position on the bolt.
I have a Rem 788 in 44 mag. Whotee this bolt action 44 mag is the best darn rifle I own. It will shock you when you take it hunting. The 44 is the perfect deer and bear rifle under a 100yds. Just devastating. With 2 holes in the deer, tracking is easy since there is a gusher of a blood trail. Truly remarkable. Your factory ammo will gain 400-700 fps.. Yup that's right.
The best rifle ammo I found is the Winchester White box.
Mason Outdoors here on YT has done tons of gel testing on the 44 mag out of his carbine. White box has massive penetration. I also use Magtech and Herters. It is the same ammo reboxed.
The 788 in .45 Mag. Is a rarity hang onto that one.
I recently sold a 788 in
308 for $650.oo .
@@rudygeorgiamulesandcountry1594 Very rare. I also have the 3030,243, and 308.
If I could have a suppressor when I was younger I wouldn’t have hearing loss. For many years we shot everything without hearing protection.
No one in those days wore hearing protection when shooting.
Get some 180 or 200 grain loads if you plan to hunt deer, you should easily be able to reach out to 150 yards. I shoot 180s in my 7.5" Redhawk and can hit 8 to 10 inch target regularly at 100 yards with open sights so with that longer barrel youll have no issues.
Nice find. There is a M77/357 Ive been pondering at a shop near me, if it were 44 I wouldve already bought it.
I'll never get rid of my M77 MkII 30-06... Had it for years and LOVE IT!!!!
I’ve taken several deer and a bear with the 44 mag. Great round! Mostly with my Redhawks 7 1/2”-44 but a buddy a few years ago lined me his 44 carbine and it chrono’d at 1780 f/ps and at 90 yards smacked the snot out of a big doe. She went about 10’ and dropped over. I used 240 gr Hornady xtp’s loaded over little gun. Love the videos!!
That bing bang is cool, 200 yards might be a bit of a stretch, but you should definitely give it a go at the range.
LOVE the M77's! Great find, i dont think you'll be disappointed in the 44, its a hammer!
🔨 🛠 ⚒️
Ive done a lot of things I haven’t done in decades since subscribing to your channel the past couple of months. I’ve got a Ruger 44 semi auto, the Ruger 96 in 44 mag and a IMI Timber Wolf in 44 mag pump action. I haven’t even thought about those guns in years. Been reloading 44 mag for a smith & Wesson 1854 for months. Gonna have to pull those out of the safe and have some fun. The Timber Wolf is a fun gun to shoot. Thanks for the reminder whoteewho.
Oh wow you have a nice collection
I don't have a problem with suppressors if you like them cool . I cant see spending $1,000-4,000 dollars for a suppressor . I can have a customized rifle for the cost of a suppressor . Hell i can buy a budget rifle scope ammo and a case for the cost of the average suppressor . So for me I would rather have more bean bangs that a suppressor . Personally muzzle breaks work best . Just look at the bench & competition shooter's they all use muzzle breaks for the best groups . The main reason i don't care for them I have long 24 , 26 and 28 inch barrels on everything i own so a 5-10in suppressor is to long . But to each their own. Nothing tames magnum cartridges like a good muzzle break the EZ-Tuner break is one of the best made by Erik Cortina our top US competition shooter . God bless you and your family God-bless America 🇺🇸
Suppressors also reduce dust kick up and muzzle flash which gives away your location. Good for shoot and scoot operations.
Suppressor takes just as much recoil as a break too
While all of your points are certainly valid I believe you are missing some of the main benefits. First off I look at my suppressor as pro active hearing protection. Even though with most supersonic ammo the gun is not hearing safe I think most would agree it’s much better. I still use plugs with every shot possible but sometimes hunting things happen fast. The next benefit is no muzzle flash, that’s been well known to cause flinch especially to newer shooters. I feel one of the best benefits is the recoil reduction equivalent to a mild muzzle break without the deafening concussion. An aggressive break will certainly reduce felt recoil more than any suppressor I own but not by a lot. The last benefit that I feel is important is with the other benefits above allows me to shoot better. I don’t believe it makes the rifle more accurate but definitely helps me do my part better. The big down sides are extra length and weight of the firearm along with the ATF BS. I certainly feel the pros definitely outweigh the cons.
You can get a decent suppressor for $7-800 bucks, tax stamp included.
Wait a little while and they'll be a dime a dozen.
What a find. If I were you, I wouldn’t “trash the box”. I have a one year run, stainless M77 Hawkeye in 358 Winchester. I still have the original box for it. The reason for keeping the original box… it’s worth more w/the box. I don’t know what my 358 is worth but they only made them 1 or 2 years in 2013-14. They are rare. I put a cheap Bushnell Trophy 2x7 on it. Same Type of synthetic stock & rings. It will match that 300 PRC you had in groups at 100 yds. I flat love it. Won’t sell it for it’s one of my favorites. Great pig & deer rifle. You never know, that 44 may not be made much longer. Sometimes Ruger gets a wild hair up their ass & quit making stuff. Just my $.02.
I got a Winchester 44 magnum in 1977. I'm 65 now now and still hunt with it. Wouldn't sell it for the world.
A mate has a Ruger M77/357. Great little fun rifle. In 44 Magnum that’s a bit more punch alright. It’s a pity that Ruger dropped the M77 model as their flagship rifle. Thanks for sharing Hooty!
I grew up dreaming of a M77/44 or a M77 Mark2 in .280 Remington or a M77 Mark2 in .358 Winchester all in Left Handed rifles.
Never seen or even heard of this Rig.......great find👊
Took my 1st deer with a marlin 1894 44 mag. The 225gr hornady leverevolution bullets are devastating on whitetail
There used to be a few companies that made integrally suppressed barrels for those, if you wanted to make it a quiet litte setup with .44 special
If I'm not mistaken the same magazines worked in the Ruger 44 semiauto carbine. It looked like a 10/22 on steroids.
The later one did. The earlier one used a tubular magazine in the stock.
Awesome little Ruger! That will be cool to shoot with the Iron Sights and would also be cool with a little 1x6x24 LPVO on it. Awesome lightweight hunting rifle.
Oh man, that rifle with subsonic rounds and a supressor, you could shoot all day and never annoy the neighbors.
Can't wait to see you sight it in.
I have the 77/44 and 77/357. If you don’t like the trigger midway sells a replacement spring kit (possibly sear, can’t remember) that improves trigger immensely. I run old Leupold m8 compact scopes on mine in 4x36 or 6x36. Super fun guns and in pistol calibers that are handy. Keep that one forever.
Who-Doo-Duh-Shooty!?! Sweet rig, brother. Can’t wait to see you sight it in and bust one with it. ❤ Make sure it’s not Rudolph. 😂
Nice, a little SWFA 2.5x10 ultra light will keep it that way.
I had a 77/357. It was good shooter, but I eventually traded it. It's cool the new ones are threaded.
Awesome video
I always enjoy hearing the music at the end
Me too !
Wait, that's music? I thought it was a dying animal with a track.
@@johncmitchell4941 lol
That is a deer dropper right there. I have a H&R 44mag single shot and it's a bad boy
🦌🦌🦌
I have one of the original Ruger m77/357 and love mine. you may want to try one of the M-CARBO trigger spring/shim kit for yours if you don't like the stock trigger on it. mines pulling at 2LBs with it was at 4-5LBs.
I had one in the blued and walnut stock. Loved the rifle, but it wouldn't shoot ANYTHING heavier than 210 grains inside 3" at 100yds. Just couldn't justify keeping a firearm that doesn't shoot inside 1-1/2" at 100.
The 77/357 and 77/44 are fine rifles. Do yourself a favor and pick up an extended mag release for it. If I am not mistaken there are some out there for 77/22 and will work with the two pistol caliber carbines. I've filled the freezer a couple of times with the 77 Series PCC bolt guns.
I have the same model in 357 magnum. My only complaint is the 61/2 pound trigger pull. Which can be softened with a different spring.
2-7×33 Leupold or 1-4×20 Leupold....the 33 is on a Ruger 77 22 Hornet..the 20 in on a Remington model 7(wood stock, scnabel forestock)love em both, lightweight!!!
I agree with you, suppressors are superb. In the past I always thought they were silly, until I got one.
A LPVO, like a Leupold 1.5-5 power, seems like it would be ideal for this rifle.
Ruger also made that in a lever action. I have & old ruger deer staker. 44mag auto. Looks like a 10-22.
Yup the lever action is a model 96 and they also made a semi auto that looks like the 10-22 but bigger and in 44 mag it’s called the model 44 carbine
I wish they made that in .454 Casull...and yeah, the 77/44 is a great suppressor host. A 300 grain sub still has plenty of smack when it hits.
Ooh I need some subs now
Trail boss powder works well for subs.
@@Milspecpoptart Trail boss is unobtainium based powder. :P
@@Milspecpoptart I'd use Unique, but that's because I have a lot of it. Just about any fast pistol powder would do.
Adam, try to find a Nikon Pro staff 2 x 7. It's a great Scope it would meet your needs .
I had a 96/44 with a wood stock and barrel band. It would not shoot. I tried a bunch of factory loads and different reloads. My smoothbore 870 slug gun shot better with homemade slug loads so the 96 got sold. I had a buddy that had this rifle, a 77/44, and it shot a little better. I wish you great success! Happy thoughts and hope that it was made with new tooling. If she shoots, I might have to look at getting one.
Scopewise, a little 2x7 Burris or Leupold or a lower power would look good on the rig. When I was fighting with the 96, I has a 4x16 on it at one point. It looked like the scope was wearing the rifle...
Great rifle. Had a couple of them over the years. The 1 in 20 twist will handle the 300 gr bullets. Subsonics are easy to make. There is now a 10 shot magazine that should work. Looking forward to your tests.
Hey from next door in Warren Co. Tollivers is a great store. Most of my hunting life I used my Ruger 44 carbine semiautomatic with open sights. Shots weren’t far but I never had a deer that did not go more than 10 yards and I never missed. My old gun is accurate at 50 yards. I always used Federal 240 grain JHP. They were loaded with Sierras. Love your channel!
Appreciate you watching! Love tolivers
I couldn’t imagine “not” having a suppressor after having one for almost 2 years 👍👍👍
Bingo
I don't think they make them anymore, but a Burris Mini 2-7x would be about perfect to me. I've had one on my 77/22 for 35+ years, the dimensiins and magnification range are a perfect fit for a 22 or 44. I have the 44 carbine, it's an outstanding deer rifle. I kick myself for not procuring 77/357 & /44 back when they were relatively cheap. 357 is a fantastic rifle round and wildly versatile. That short 77 action came in 22 hornet, too. It'll cost an organ or 2 today.
I bought a 44 marlin years ago. I've have a Rossi Puma in 357. I love both of them. One of my friends wants a bolt gun in 44. I've taken javelin with the Rossi and Marlin.
I can imagine how accurate 44 mag would be in the 77 Ruger.
Awesome gun! Just curious, have you ever done a short vid covering some shooting tips that you’ve picked up over the years? You throw down some excellent groups, great shooting skill on your part. My favorite channel by far!
Never really done a tips video per say. Honestly the trick is to have a steady rest and break the trigger at the same spot every time. Not much more complicated than that
an EP5 for 44Mag, good thing the 30mm tube won't fit the Ruger. I think that combo would be so out if place. Then again you may be able to prove the viability of pistol calibres for ELP
The m77 pistol carbines are great. Got the 357 myself. Enjoy.
Put a low power variable on the puppy. 2-7 or similar, light and compact with plenty of power out to a couple hundred yards. I guess a red dot would be great also?
2-7 is one I am looking at
She's a sweetheart, knew a couple of guys way back that had wood\blues ones but I never tried them out but always thought they'd be handy, for me scoping it would be one of my 2.5, 3 or 4 power straight Leapolds cuz that's what I use, hey have a good hunt\s, can't wait to see what it'll do for ya!
Ruger web site shows weight 5.2 lbs, scope rings are included and wood stock model is available. Odd thread size at the muzzle 11/16”-24
Very cool WTW! Thanks for sharing. I hate that you have to trade off bing bangs for new ones, but I completely understand.
Yup. Gotta pay the bills
Howa's were excellent rifles. Well built and accurate. I believe the old Smith & Wesson bolt action rifle was a Howa 1500? Nice finds. Hang on to them if you can?
I use a Luepold 1.5X5 with a 20mm objective lens on my 44mag Marlin 1894. Works great for 125yds and closer.
Very fun little carbine, these 77/44 are nice all around tools.
I have not used a rifle with hand gun ammo . What is the advantage over something like 45/70 lever for a bush gun . Weight ?
Go for a red dot instead of a scope
I picked one up 20 years or so ago. Pre threading era. And it's accounted for several whitetails.
Awesome
My dad got a m77/44 wood stock about 10 years ago and sent it to a company to get it integrally suppressed. All I can say is subsonic 44 mag sounds like nothing and supersonic sounds like a 22 maybe. Very accurate guns
Looks like a dang good shop. Fellow Tennessean here....I'm close to Shiloh and we have some good shops around here but what makes them great is the people that work in them. Best you will find in the world right here in Tennessee.
Exactly, good people
I have had 3 of these. 2 ss and one blue, all shoot great. i shot 240 gr Hornady XTP over 21 gr H110 mag primer. Got 1700 fps . killed several deer from 10yds out to 120 yds . got 2 of my biggest whitetails a 190 lb 8 point and a 215 lb ten point. I had a Leupold 3X9 on mine.
AWESOME
Try Lil'gun. I'm getting an honest 1900 fps @ .5 under max with a jacketed 240gr.
My first deer rifle that i hunted with was a marlin 1894 44 rem mag lever action 76 yards was my longest attempt at a deer and it did great
Awesome
I had the old Simi auto there was a recalls on them mine was in pawn at the time so I just let it go wish i hadn't. Great rifle congratulations.
There’s an adapter made for Ruger 77’s to put a picatinny rail on top. I put one on mine to get away from having to use those Ruger mounts. The adapter is called ” WEIG-A-TINNY “
I’m gonna need you to take that to the range ASAP! I remember seeing those when I was younger. ❤️
I have wanted one for years, I did know they were special order. I use the ultra dot in inch tube on ruger black hawk single six. When your done with it,I'll buy it nate
Ps, fxt 225 grain are excellent choice for hunting or 240gr xtp 24.5 H 110 in pistol round
I got my first suppressor about 4 years ago. Every rifle I've purchased since then was threaded.
It's a game changer.
Got this years ago. Love it, except for major feeding problems. Looked at all the forums, tested with new mags, more tension onnthe spring in the mag etc. Got it to my gunsmith, he tried his tricks, so now its better but not 100%. But its a difficult caliber to chamber in that typ of mag/action. Better of in levers.. Greetings from Sweden!
My 77/44 shoots factory Hornady 300 grain xtps pretty well. I believe they are made to be minute of deer accurate rifles
Great rifle, I have one that is 14 years old. I like that ruger made it threaded. What scope you going to put on it?
Warne makes 30mm rings for the m77
Nice rifle. I use that Ammo .44 mag ammunition in 240 grain JHP in my lever gun. It’s a deer slayer.
Been a while since I sighted in my .44mag lever gun, but I think you sight in 2" high at 25yds puts you dead on at 100yds. That may have been the formula for my 6" revolver though. I've had both for over 25 years, so it's been a long time.
Good for you man. I have been looking for a m77 357 for ages whiteout any luck.
Gorgeous rig..good luck, hope it groups
Nice rifle. Not a long range shooter I would scope it with a Hawke VANTAGE 2-7x32 which you can get illuminated and adjustable objective if desired.
They have always been pricey, but when one considers the co$t of a S&W 629 or Ruger Super Redhawk, it is not bad at all for a quality rifle.
Good luck with it.
Having owned my 44 Mag Marlin Lever rifle for 2 decades+ IMO the 240 gn bullets are the way to go.. 180gn loads are faster, but don't have near the performance on deer, while giving a MUCH sharper recoil.. YMMY
I think either the Burris Fullfield E1 or the Sig Buckmaster 3x-12x. Sig glass is really nice for the money.
It may kick more than you think, I had a marlin 44mag, and it kicked like a mule, any 3x9x40 would look great on it I think.
Love the 77/44. Great woods round for
I second the comment about a 77 in 454 Casul. That would warrant a bolt gun in pistol cartridge. Hrs if inexpensive fun there