Ruger Magnum Hunter for the 1 gun man?

[banoob]

Morning,

I'm looking for some feedback on the Ruger Magnum Hunter

I'm trying to narrow down my "one gun" as a bit of an all purpose shooter.

The Magnum Hunter's fitting the bill so far I think...

Synthetics easy to care for, so's stainless. .300 win mag will take anything I could ever see.

Flat shooter with a muzzle brake is a big plus.

What the opinion on these?

[Ken]

I love the idea of the screw on/off muzzle brake with replaceable weight cap.

I'm surprised heaps more gun makers haven't picked this up after Ruger.

[Lorgar]

What the opinion on these?

I'm a bit fan of the Rugers as a 1 gun workhorse.

The one thing I don't like is their synthetic stocks. I got mine in Walnut and Laminate because of this.

The Magnum Hunter only comes in the synthetic would be my only complaint.

If that doesn't bother you though, fire away...

[tactice]

The July issue of the Australian Shooter magazine had a positive write up in it if you can track down a copy.

[buster]

Ruger isn't usually my brand but I must admit that rifle is a good set up IMO.

Removable brake for 300 win mag is a good addition, good barrel length, Mauser action is nice.

Ruger do a few other funny combos which don't really appeal to me personally, but the Magnum Hunter is about right all round.

[Lyam]

I do give them points for the weigh to replace the brake.

Good idea that.

[banoob]

Thanks guys,

Put the deposit down and done all the paperwork.

Should have it shortly

[Chickenhawk]

Good work.

I was never a massive fan of the Rugers but I've come around a bit with some of their newer models.

[Lorgar]

I was never a massive fan of the Rugers but I've come around a bit with some of their newer models.

The removable brake and replaceable weight are a great idea IMO.

Been mulling this over for a while - thinking of replacing my .308 sporter with something higher powered from their braked line like the Guide Gun or African for the field, and getting a small calibre target rifle dedicated for the range.

Hmmm.

[planetwaves]

I could never find one in any of the stores in the Portland/Vancouver area, so ordered through Gallery of Guns and had it delivered to a local shop.

Normally wouldn't take that kind of risk, but have other M77 rifles and have had good luck with them, so this looked like an M77 with some enhancements.

Topped it with a Nikon Monarch 3, 4-16X50 with BDC reticle. The only 180gr ammo I could find locally was Remington Corelokt at BiMart ($24).

Took it to the range and after dialing in the scope, the last 3 shots were in a quarter sized cloverleaf. This is my first 300 win mag, and it looks like I can use Corelokt to practice until I start working up my own loads.

The muzzle break and recoil pad actually made it less "punishing" to shoot than my old walnut stocked M77 270. I was pleasantly surprised. The overmolded rubber stock looked odd to me when I first saw the rifle, but the rifle is well balanced and the feel is right for me. The free floated barrel doesn't look perfectly centered in the stock, but there is space on both sides and you can slide a dollar bill all the way up and down with room to spare.

I have been to the 100 yard range 3 times now. Can put 180 gr Corlokts into a ragged hole I am ready to work up a load and try the 200 and 300 yard range.

Although I have only had it for a month, I really like it so far.

A word of caution with the muzzle brake. Everyone knows it amplifies muzzle blast. I was alone at the range and eager to get started, and in my haste, I foolishly forgot to put on my hearing protection. I fired a shot from a concrete structure with a metal roof.... OUCH!!!

But I do love the magnum hunter rifle. Would highly recommend considering it if you are in the market for a new 300 win mag.

[banoob]

Thanks for the extra info planet.

Haven't tried that CoreLokt ammo in it yet but sounds worth a go

Will track down a box and give it a shoot.

[bobnob]

Late to this thread, but I definitely like those Ruger Magnum Hunters and if I was in for a 300 Mag that's the one I would be going for. I can see the brake being great for load development and take it off for hunting where you never feel the recoil anyway.

Would love to read a range report.....

[banoob]

I've got some loads for a proper range day ready to go, plan is at the moment to get back to the range in 3 weekends.

Will see what happens then