About the only thing I can offer is I prefer the Browning stocks. The 77V has a laminated stock that sits well on the bags but is uncomfortable to shoot offhand.

 

Based on my A-bolt, I say take the Ruger.
The Ruger barrels all but refuse to foul, and given your current steaming pile; would be a nice change for you

 

Both will be OK. It really doesn't matter the brand for out of the box accuracy, the specific gun you get is more important. I shoot a 77V and like it it is very accurate in 22-250.

If I wanted to do what you say, I'd get a Rem 700 Long Range or tactical models. That will shoot at least as accurate as you two choices, but has a big advantage in the accesories that would be available like triggers, single shot followers, mounts, etc. if in the future you want to up-grade. At 1,100 yards you might be disappointed in you off the shelf rifle.

Let us know what you decide and if you are pleased with your choice.

 

I can't tell you how many times I've looked at the M77 Target II in 6.5 Creedmoor with it's 28 inch barrel, would like to have one. The only other one I've looked at more kinda in this category is the Savage 12 LRP ( Long Range Precision ) in 6.5 Creedmoor and 243, it has a HS Precision Stock. The Ruger Target comes in 308 and 243 also as well as a few others.

 

Pure crap-shoot in a factory built rifle anymore. They build them and hope for the best. If they get complaints, you deal with customer service.

I'm at about 60+ /40- with Ruger. Browning, I just order parts and fix it.

Know some real good rifles from both makers though.

Look at the used section at your local gun shop. The neglected ones in either brand can be diamonds.

Cheezywan

 

Thank you for your comments/input.

My choice on this front was already made, I had thought (hoped?). I bought a Savage because it was configured about as close to precisely the way I wanted as can be. Unfortunately, it has a HORRIBLE fouling problem, which degrades accuracy rather rapidly. I have a bit over 400 rounds through it, so it isn't just a matter of 'breaking in.' Initially, it shoots very well, and the only trouble hitting the steels is my relative inability to hold still. Before I get through a 40 to 50-round match, though, hit reliability is low. I've talked to Savage, and they suggested returning it for them to have a look at it. I may do that, though I must be honest that I lack for trust when dealing with most 'send it to us for evaluation at your expense' warranties.

So, I'm shopping for a replacement. Ruger and Browning both make platforms I like, though neither is a close to ideal as the Savage in terms of basics-- barrel length and contour, safety operation & location, and the like. I do love Ruger's 2-stage trigger, and Browning's short-lift bolt. On sporter models, I like Browning's stocks better, as Ruger's 'reach' from pistol grip to trigger shoe is WAY too short. I don't remember my old Target Model well enough any more to recall whether it has the same short reach as the MkII/Hawkeye or not.

My issues are that NOBODY here carries the Target model Rugers, and they're very difficult to find even in pawn shops. The Browning I'm considering is a super-limited run that would have to be special-ordered, and even at that I'd have to get lucky to get one, I think.

 

Why not just change out the barrel on the Savage? Just a thought.....

 

Because I stole his barrel wrench

 

I assumed that you tried bvarioous powders to reduce the fouling? i'd also think about some polishing the bore (Flitz)

 

MZ5, I wouldn't give up on that Savage if it's shooting good. Three of my best shooting rifles had bores that were hororendous foulers starting out. One of them is a Savage, the thing that made me stick, was it was still accurate with that rough bore. After constant cleaning and several hundred rounds it finally came around. After 50-75 rounds it will clean with 3 patches now.

 

MZ,
Buds Gun Shop has 1 Ruger Target in 308 with the brown laminate stock, $682.00 with free shipping. I've bought 2 guns there and had great experiences, had the gun in less than 2 weeks both times, about 10 days I think.

 

Just get some foaming bore cleaner and it will clean that barrel in a matter of minutes without scrubbing.

For something really different try a SAKO or CZ. I bet the CZ "sniper" rifle will outshoot anything under $2000.

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-750-sniper/

 

No, dms, it won't, unfortunately. BTDT many times over. KG products work fastest and bestest of all the chemical cleaners. The Foul-Out works bestest of everything, no matter what, though it can be slow, too.

Have thought of a CZ, but I didn't much care for the one I had, and I don't want a 308. In any case, for anything like that kind of money I'd buy a barrelled action from Shilen.

 

HarryS--
Yes, I've used the 'non-abrasive' abrasives such as that, as well as some 'abrasive' abrasive, and Ultra Bore Coat. I'm not quite done, but just about...

MikeG--
I have given fairly serious thought to a re-barrel. Bruno's has a nice barrel that would be fairly close to what I'm looking for. However, by the time I had a 'smith cut it, chamber it, and so forth I'd be in for at least as much as the difference between what I could dump this for and buy one of the alternatives, and I'd probably then have to replace the stock or have the 'smith re-countour it, too. I may still look at an ER Shaw at some point, but for now I'd rather avoid a mix-and-match.