Difference between Rugers M-77 and Hawkeye?

[maxcactus]

Evening, gents.

I haven't had a chance to examine one of Ruger's new Hawkeye rifles yet and don't always trust what I read in the gun mags. What is it that makes the new Hawkeye different from the M77 Mk IIs? Is Ruger using some cost-cutting measures to deliver a similar looking but cheaper-to-manufacture rifle? Are the differences merely cosmetic or are there structural changes to be wary of?

What also really ticks me off is that other than the International model, I can't get one with sights anymore and I really liked Ruger's rugged iron sights - esp the barrel band front sight.

TIA,
Max.

[ermont0825]

Here is my .02 . I have an old M77 in 7 mag and a Hawkeye in 280 Remington. Both are stainless/synthetic. The M77 is a good reliable rifle. I never found it to be a tackdriver even after I swapped out the stupid black plastic stock for an HS Precision. The trigger was kind of heavy but all in all a good reliable rifle. I bought the Hawkeye because I like 7mm's and the new LC6 trigger. What a disappointment when I took it to the range, the trigger still sucked. I ordered a Timney for it (about 100 bucks). Installation was straightforward other than having to file the safety lever to fit. Not a big deal if you take your time and keep checking it. I put a 4.5x14 Nikon scope on it and took it out to the range and have never looked back. What a great shooting gun. I went to African in May of '08 and slammed kudu, 2 gemsbok, impala, 3 blesbuck, springbok, warthog and duiker. Shots ranged from 75 to 425 yards. I just got back from Alaska on Friday after shooting a 7 1/2 foot grizzly at 350 yards. What did I use? 280 with 140 grain Accubonds. I don't know if there are any differences but mine is not for sale.

[bisleyfan41]

Other than the new trigger, I think most of the chages are cosmetic. The Hawkeye has a lower cost matte finish which seems to be all the rage nowadays with mfgs. And the steel floorplate has "engraving". Nearly every one I've seen, even new ones on store racks, has had rust in the engraving. I guess it is done after the finish and left in the white, just begging for rust. Haven't shot one yet to comment on performance. Glad they still use walnut on the blue guns. No birch....yet.