Description
The Ruger 77/357 Rotary Magazine Rifle, 357 Magnum, 18.5″ Barrel, SS Finish is a stainless steel bolt-action rifle chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special. It’s designed for hunters and shooters seeking a versatile, low-recoil platform that pairs perfectly with a .357 Magnum revolver, offering common ammunition and practical performance at a mid-range price point of $856.14.
Key Features
- Rotary Magazine System: The reliable, flush-fit 5-round rotary magazine is the heart of this rifle, feeding smoothly and keeping the profile sleek for carrying in the field.
- .357 Magnum/.38 Special Chambering: Shoot affordable .38 Special target loads or full-power .357 Magnum hunting rounds. This dual-caliber capability is a major budget win.
- Stainless Steel Construction: The 18.5-inch barrel and receiver feature a corrosion-resistant stainless steel finish, ideal for Missouri’s variable weather and humid conditions.
- Integral Scope Mounts: The receiver is drilled, tapped, and includes Ruger scope rings—no gunsmithing required to mount optics, saving you time and money.
- Controlled-Round Feed: The Mauser-style claw extractor provides reliable feeding and positive extraction, a trusted feature for a hunting rifle.
Specifications & Details
| Caliber | .357 Magnum / .38 Special |
| Barrel Length | 18.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 38.5 inches |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Finish | Stainless Steel |
Here’s the thing—this rifle isn’t trying to be a long-range precision instrument. It’s a practical tool built on Ruger’s proven Model 77 action, scaled perfectly for the .357 cartridge. The 18.5-inch barrel is a sweet spot, balancing maneuverability in thick cover with enough length for solid velocity. At 6.5 pounds, it’s light enough for all-day carries but has enough heft to manage recoil, which is mild even with magnum loads. The stock is a classic American walnut, offering a traditional look that fits the rifle’s purpose. The real value is in the details already included, like the scope mounts, so your total cost stays closer to that $856.14 tag.
Who This Rifle Is For
This rifle is a standout choice for the budget-conscious hunter or shooter who already owns a .357 Magnum revolver. Think of a Missouri whitetail hunter who wants a lightweight, low-recoil rifle for shots inside 125 yards—this cartridge is plenty capable with the right load. It’s also ideal for recreational plinkers who want to share cheap .38 Special ammo between a rifle and a wheelgun. For someone seeking a straightforward, no-fuss rifle that’s drop-in ready for a scope, the Ruger 77/357 eliminates extra gunsmithing costs. If you’re looking for a dedicated truck or ranch gun that pairs simplicity with Ruger’s ruggedness, this model fits the bill.
Pros & Cons: The Practical Tradeoffs
Pros: The biggest pro is ammunition commonality and cost. .38 Special is among the most affordable centerfire rounds to shoot. The stainless steel and walnut build offers classic durability with modern corrosion resistance. The included scope rings are a genuine value-add that many competitors charge extra for. Recoil is very mild, making it an excellent choice for newer shooters or those sensitive to kick. Finally, its compact size makes it a pleasure to handle in blinds or thick timber.
Cons: The .357 Magnum is not a long-range cartridge; its effective range on game is limited compared to traditional rifle rounds. The 5-round rotary magazine, while reliable, is slower to reload than a detachable box magazine. Some may find the traditional stock design less modern than synthetic options, though the walnut is a plus for many. It’s a niche firearm—if you don’t own a .357 revolver, a rifle in .223 Remington or .308 Winchester might offer more versatile ammunition options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use .38 Special ammunition in this rifle?
A: Yes, absolutely. The Ruger 77/357 is designed to safely chamber, fire, and cycle both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition. This is a huge advantage for low-cost practice and plinking.
Q: What is the effective hunting range with .357 Magnum?
A: With proper 158-grain or heavier hunting loads, the .357 Magnum from an 18.5-inch rifle barrel is ethically effective on deer-sized game out to about 125 yards. Shot placement, as always, is critical. It’s a woods-and-brush cartridge, not a prairie rifle.
Q: Are the scope rings included, and what size are they?
A: Yes, the rifle comes with Ruger’s proprietary 1-inch scope rings installed on the integral bases. This means you can mount a standard 1-inch tube scope directly—no additional base to buy. It’s a setup that fits out of the box, saving you roughly $40-$80 on mounting hardware.
For a versatile, well-built rifle that shares ammo with your revolver and won’t break the bank on optics mounting, the Ruger 77/357 represents solid bang-for-your-buck. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.
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