TexAg09
Active member
I have an older Remington 788 in .22-250, and a Ruger M77 Mark II in .223, and I'm trying to decide on what I should do for an all around varmint gun. Both guns are tack drivers. Most shots will be under 300 yards (likely around the 100-150 yard range). It will mostly be used for coyote hunting, with occasional hog duty if I happen to run across them. I might take it prairie dog hunting a handful of times, but not consistently at all.
My Grandpa gave me the 788, so I'll never sell it. The issues with the safety are concerning, but I'm not normally in a situation where I have a bullet chambered unless I'm getting ready to shoot something/be very mindful of muzzle direction. My only other concern is that with the slower twist rate I won't really be able to utilize heavier grain bullets. (I haven't experimented with this first hand, but just what I've read.)
I bought the M77 when I was 11 with report card money and money from odd jobs. I just went with my Dad's recommendations, but it's all stainless steal and shiny as all get out. Also, it's not a floated barrel and kind of heavy. I found a guy who will coat it with a flat dry earth coating for $120, but a new (lighter) stock that would float the barrel is about $250-$350. At what point do I just sell it, and buy something else?
What should I do?
Option A - Sell the M77 instead of sinking money into it, and just using the 788 as my varmint gun. BUT I'd really like to have a gun I could easily use heavier grain bullets with, and I'd hate not having a .223 of any kind. My Dad says I shouldn't sell the M77 or sink money into it which makes me think twice about doing either, but I'm not happy with how it's currently set up.
Option B - Should I just upgrade the M77 and keep the 788 as my safe queen?
Option C - Sell the M77 and buy a new .223? I'm not really interested in a .243 either.
Obviously this is splitting hairs and some serious first world problems, but I'd just like to hear other people's opinion. Thanks!
My Grandpa gave me the 788, so I'll never sell it. The issues with the safety are concerning, but I'm not normally in a situation where I have a bullet chambered unless I'm getting ready to shoot something/be very mindful of muzzle direction. My only other concern is that with the slower twist rate I won't really be able to utilize heavier grain bullets. (I haven't experimented with this first hand, but just what I've read.)
I bought the M77 when I was 11 with report card money and money from odd jobs. I just went with my Dad's recommendations, but it's all stainless steal and shiny as all get out. Also, it's not a floated barrel and kind of heavy. I found a guy who will coat it with a flat dry earth coating for $120, but a new (lighter) stock that would float the barrel is about $250-$350. At what point do I just sell it, and buy something else?
What should I do?
Option A - Sell the M77 instead of sinking money into it, and just using the 788 as my varmint gun. BUT I'd really like to have a gun I could easily use heavier grain bullets with, and I'd hate not having a .223 of any kind. My Dad says I shouldn't sell the M77 or sink money into it which makes me think twice about doing either, but I'm not happy with how it's currently set up.
Option B - Should I just upgrade the M77 and keep the 788 as my safe queen?
Option C - Sell the M77 and buy a new .223? I'm not really interested in a .243 either.
Obviously this is splitting hairs and some serious first world problems, but I'd just like to hear other people's opinion. Thanks!
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