The Ruger M77 Hawkeye rifle is a well-established and respected firearm. The Ruger M77 Hawkeye African in 9.3x62mm is the quintessential do-it-all worldwide big game rifle. It’s relatively lightweight, reliable, accurate and just enough gun. Lipsey's Ruger 77 in 35 Whelen! Advertised at $1,579.00 - Clarification - I'm unlikely to buy one, I just saw the ad, thought it was cool, and thought I'd share with the good folks here on the Nosler forum.
This review delves into the features and performance of the Ruger Hawkeye African chambered in 35 Whelen, exploring its suitability for various hunting scenarios.
The 35 Whelen and Mr. Rifleman ~ The legendary shooter and hunter
Historical Context and Cartridge Overview
The 35 Whelen nips at the heels of the 338 Win Mag from an '06 case.
Ten years ago, ammunition was plentiful.
Ruger Hawkeye African: Design and Features
Ruger gets a whole lot right on the African models. Ruger isn’t known for dainty guns and this one is no exception.
Read also: .375 Ruger Rifle Review
Features listed above are available on all standard models, but may not appear on Distributor Exclusive models.
The Ruger® Muzzle Brake System includes a removable, radial-port muzzle brake that significantly reduces felt recoil. For times when the brake is not preferred, it may be replaced by the included dynamically-matched muzzle weight. Switching between the brake and the weight will not change the bullet's point of impact for a particular load.
Hinged solid-steel floorplate for easy unloading without having to chamber each cartridge.
Like all the African models, Ruger got the style right with this Lipsey’s Exclusive chambering. There are a few subtle nods to the older, far more expensive Safari rifles. Most obvious is that barrel band. It does absolutely nothing to improve the accuracy of the gun, but it looks right and feels right when slung or wrapped around the arm for shooting. The American Walnut buttstock doesn’t have much character in this particular rifle, although I have seen more figure and swirl in other rifles of this same model. For any natural product, some will be better than others.
There are numerous stocks available for this gun and a couple of triggers.
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Performance and Handling
You are going to really like the 35 Whelen. You are going to really like the 35 Whelen.
Despite the slightly lighter weight when compared to the heavier magnum Ruger African rifles, recoil from this rifle isn’t harsh with any round. At its top loads, there’s about 20-25% more free recoil than the same rifle with a 180gr commercial .30-06 Springfield chambering. At the bench, that recoil becomes tiring, but not unless you’re putting a couple of dozen rounds down range. It’s in the field where this chambering really shines.
Personal Experiences and Community Feedback
My dad had a small gun shop so I had my choice of what to hunt with. On every hunt but one since my dad built me my Whelen in the mid 70's in has been what I carried. Moose, Caribou, deer, Black or Brown bear it was the one. The one time I did not take it sure enough I ran nose to nose with a Kodiak brownie and I had a 270 in my hands.
You should know better than posting something like that around here lol.
I have yet to kill game with my .338Wm and probably never will but I can't say that about my M70 35 Whelen Ackley improved.
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Guy I think it was you who told me my 225gr Pt load Dewy helped me develop was generating 4000lb of muzzle energy.
Everyone needs a Whelen. If the founders hadn't all been drunk at the time, they'd have made owning one a requirement to vote.
First, I asked her what need had to do with it? Although she has bought a few firearms for herself now over the years! She loves her Lipsey's Edition Ruger No.1 in 250 Savage!
I'm still "thinking about it." No more need it than anything. So... The post was intended more as a notification to all the fine folks here on the Nosler Forum that I'd bumped into an interesting rifle. I've got a feeling that I'll not be buying one. Truly have no need. I just like it.
I'm still "thinking about it." No more need it than anything. So... The post was intended more as a notification to all the fine folks here on the Nosler Forum that I'd bumped into an interesting rifle. I've got a feeling that I'll not be buying one. Truly have no need. I just like it.
I'm still "thinking about it." No more need it than anything. So... The post was intended more as a notification to all the fine folks here on the Nosler Forum that I'd bumped into an interesting rifle. I've got a feeling that I'll not be buying one. Truly have no need. I just like it.
I'm still "thinking about it." No more need it than anything. So... The post was intended more as a notification to all the fine folks here on the Nosler Forum that I'd bumped into an interesting rifle. I've got a feeling that I'll not be buying one. Truly have no need. I just like it.
