Description
Looking for a bolt-action rifle that bridges the gap between classic American craftsmanship and modern reliability? You’re in the right place. The Ruger M77 Mark II is a purpose-built hunting rifle that delivers consistent performance where it counts, backed by a legacy of solid engineering.
Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in family-oriented firearms and tactical gear. The Ruger M77 Mark II is a robust, American-made bolt-action rifle known for its controlled-round feed and integral scope mounts. Its strength lies in its simple, reliable design that has been trusted for decades in the field. We have this .338 Winchester Magnum model in stock and ready to ship today for $1,282.49.
Reviewed by Ryan Decker, Firearms Specialist at Californiagunshop. 15 years in tactical retail, former LEO armorer, 300+ custom builds.
Last updated: March 2026
Why the Ruger M77 Mark II Belongs in Your Gun Safe
After building and handling hundreds of rifles, I appreciate tools that do their job without fuss. The M77 Mark II isn’t flashy, but it’s a workhorse. The controlled-round feed system, inspired by the classic Mauser action, gives you positive extraction and feeding, which is a huge confidence booster when you’re lining up a shot on game. The integral scope mounts machined directly into the receiver are a standout feature—they’re rock-solid and eliminate the need for separate bases, ensuring your zero stays put. This rifle is built to be a partner for the long haul, not a safe queen.
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Bolt Action Rifle |
| Material (Receiver/Barrel) | Forged Steel |
| Manufacturing Process | CNC Machined, Forged Components |
| Finish | Blued Steel, American Walnut Stock |
| Hardness/Quality | Heat-Treated Alloy Steel, Glass-Bedded Action |
| Compatibility | Ruger Scope Rings (Integral Mounts), Standard .338 Win Mag Ammunition |
| Installation/Usage | Right-Hand Action, Manual Bolt Operation |
| Weight (Approx.) | 8.5 lbs |
| Dimensions (Barrel Length) | 24″ Barrel |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | M77MKII-338WM |
How It Stacks Up: Ruger M77 Mark II vs. The Competition
| Feature | Ruger M77 Mark II | Budget Import Rifle (e.g., ~$700) | Premium Custom Action (e.g., ~$2,500+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Forged & Machined Steel | Cast or MIM Components | Precision-Machined Aircraft Alloy Steel |
| Quality | High, Consistent Factory Build | Variable, Often Functional but Rough | Exceptional, Hand-Fitted Tolerances |
| Compatibility | Proprietary Ruger Rings, Standard Ammo | May Require Aftermarket Bases | Often Custom or Rem 700 Footprint |
| Shipping | Ready to Ship Today | Often Drop-Shipped, Delays Possible | Long Lead Times (Months) |
| Lifespan/Durability | Proven Long-Term Durability | Adequate for Occasional Use | Built for Extreme Round Counts |
| Price | $1,282.49 (Excellent Value) | Lower Initial Cost | Significant Investment |
The M77 Mark II occupies a sweet spot. It’s substantially more robust and reliable than budget rifles that cut corners on materials, yet it doesn’t command the sky-high price of a fully custom rig meant for competitive benchrest shooting. You’re paying for proven American manufacturing and a design focused on hunting reliability.
What You’ll Love (And What You Should Know)
Pros:
- ✅ Controlled-Round Feed: The Mauser-style claw extractor provides reliable feeding and positive extraction, a major asset in the field.
- ✅ Integral Scope Mounts: Machined-in bases are the most solid mounting system you can get from the factory. No loosening bases.
- ✅ Glass-Bedded Action: The receiver is bedded into the stock for improved accuracy and consistent point of impact.
- ✅ Robust Construction: Forged steel and a three-position safety built into the tang make for a durable, safe platform.
- ✅ Classic Aesthetics: The blued steel and genuine American walnut stock offer timeless good looks.
Cons:
- ❌ Proprietary Scope Rings: You need Ruger rings. They’re excellent, but it’s not a Picatinny rail. We stock them if you need a set.
- ❌ Heavier Trigger Pull: The factory trigger is serviceable but heavier and less crisp than a modern adjustable trigger. For hunters, it’s fine; for precision shooters, it’s a candidate for an aftermarket upgrade.
- ❌ Not a Lightweight Mountain Rifle: At around 8.5 lbs before optics, it’s a solid rifle. If you’re counting every ounce on a long backpack hunt, see our selection of lighter-weight rifles.
Who This Rifle Is For (And Who Should Pass)
Buy it if: You’re a hunter pursuing elk, moose, or bear with a .338 Win Mag and want a supremely reliable, no-nonsense rifle. You appreciate classic, robust design and the security of controlled-round feed. You want a rifle that will last a lifetime and can be passed down.
Skip it if: Your primary goal is ultra-long-range target shooting or you demand a sub-MOA guarantee with factory ammo. You need a left-handed action (this model is right-hand only). You’re looking for the absolute lightest rifle possible for high-altitude hunts.
Common Questions & Concerns
“Is the .338 Win Mag too much for deer?” For whitetail, yes, it’s overkill and you’ll have excessive meat damage. This is a big-game cartridge for large, tough animals at moderate to long ranges. For deer, consider a .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor.
“Can I free-float the barrel on this model?” The Mark II is typically bedded with a pressure point at the fore-end for hunting accuracy, which is different from a fully free-floated target barrel. Altering this can affect point of impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ruger M77 good rifles?
Absolutely. The Ruger M77 series has a decades-long reputation for strength, reliability, and good out-of-the-box accuracy. The Mark II iteration refined the design with features like the integral scope mounts and a improved bolt. They are not fancy, but they are exceptionally well-built hunting rifles that perform consistently. In my time as an armorer, I’ve seen very few issues with the core action.
What caliber is a Ruger M77 Mark II?
This specific model is chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum, a powerful cartridge designed for taking the largest North American game like elk, moose, and bear at extended ranges. The M77 Mark II was produced in many calibers over the years, from .22-250 up to .458 Lott, but this is a dedicated big-bore platform.
How accurate is Ruger M77 Mark II?
With quality ammunition, a typical Ruger M77 Mark II is a 1 to 1.5 MOA rifle, meaning it can group shots within 1 to 1.5 inches at 100 yards. The glass-bedded action and solid barrel contribute to this consistency. It’s a hunting rifle, not a match rifle, but that level of accuracy is more than sufficient for ethical shots at big game out to several hundred yards.
What is controlled-round feed?
It’s a bolt design where the cartridge rim is captured under the claw extractor as it leaves the magazine, before the bolt closes. This provides positive control of the round from magazine to chamber. It’s renowned for reliability, especially when cycling the bolt quickly or at an angle, and helps prevent “double feeds” or failures to extract.
Does it come with scope rings?
No, the rifle does not include scope rings. It has Ruger’s integral mounting system, which requires specific Ruger scope rings (sold separately). We recommend and stock medium or high rings for this model, especially with a 50mm objective lens, to ensure proper clearance.
Is this rifle suitable for a beginner?
Not in .338 Win Mag. The recoil and ammunition cost are significant. This is a specialist’s rifle for experienced hunters pursuing large game. For a new shooter or hunter, I always recommend starting with a milder-recoiling caliber. Feel free to contact us for beginner-friendly recommendations.
Where can I buy bolt action rifles online?
You can purchase this Ruger M77 Mark II and other quality bolt-action rifles right here at Californiagunshop.com. We are a licensed retailer based in San Antonio, TX, and we handle all compliance and shipping directly to your local FFL dealer.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from San Antonio, TX
✅ Discreet packaging for your privacy
✅ 30-day returns on unfired items
✅ Secure checkout with multiple payment options
This Ruger M77 Mark II in .338 Winchester Magnum is a classic American hunting rifle built for a specific, demanding job. It represents a time-tested design executed with quality materials. If you’re after elk, moose, or bear and value reliability above all else, this rifle is a proven tool that won’t let you down.
Browse more: Bolt Action Rifles | All Rifles | Full Shop
About this review: This assessment is based on my professional experience handling, building, and servicing hundreds of firearms, including the Ruger M77 platform. It reflects the rifle’s real-world performance and design intent, not just manufacturer specifications.
Last updated: March 2026
