Hoping for a little help for those that know more than me (not a big lift!). I have a early to mid '90s Ruger M77 in 7mm Rem Mag. My gunsmith just informed me the barrel is shot out...pitted etc. My options are replace the barrel or replace the rifle. FWIW I currently have a pretty new Tikka T3x in 7mm-08 as well. What do Roksliders think? New barrel or new rifle? Here's a few additional factors...
1. I really like the Ruger action, balance, etc. I'm just used to it. It's accounted for a pile of elk and deer. It has battle scars on the walnut stock. We have a lot of memories together. I had planned on putting a new scope on it anyway so barrel or new rifle, that cost is a given.
2. If I replaced the Ruger with a new rifle , I would go with either a Howa 1500 hogue or a Tikka T3x. I lean to the Howa because of the three position safety which I like on my Ruger. I like the trigger on both so I guess I'm not picky about two stage vs one. The Howa is a bit heavier so might take up some of the recoil. Of course it is heavier than the Tikka too and I'm not getting any younger.
3. If I did replace the barrel, any opinions on suppliers? I hear a lot of complaints about customer service from McGowan. I've been looking at Douglas or Preferred barrels. Opinions? Anyone else?
Thanks for your help in this little journey!
1. I really like the Ruger action, balance, etc. I'm just used to it. It's accounted for a pile of elk and deer. It has battle scars on the walnut stock. We have a lot of memories together. I had planned on putting a new scope on it anyway so barrel or new rifle, that cost is a given.
2. If I replaced the Ruger with a new rifle , I would go with either a Howa 1500 hogue or a Tikka T3x. I lean to the Howa because of the three position safety which I like on my Ruger. I like the trigger on both so I guess I'm not picky about two stage vs one. The Howa is a bit heavier so might take up some of the recoil. Of course it is heavier than the Tikka too and I'm not getting any younger.
3. If I did replace the barrel, any opinions on suppliers? I hear a lot of complaints about customer service from McGowan. I've been looking at Douglas or Preferred barrels. Opinions? Anyone else?
Thanks for your help in this little journey!