Description
I was chasing coyotes on a friend’s property near Rolla, the wind whipping across the pasture, when I realized my old varmint rifle just didn’t have the legs for those long, open shots. That’s the exact scenario the Ruger M77 Predator 204 Ruger, SS, Laminated Stock was built for. It’s a purpose-built, medium-range varmint and predator rifle chambered in the flat-shooting .204 Ruger cartridge, featuring a stainless-steel barrel and action for durability, all housed in a stable, laminated hardwood stock. At 7.5 pounds unloaded, it’s light enough to carry all day but heavy enough to stay steady off the bipod.
Look, I’ve put a few hundred rounds of Hornady and Federal .204 Ruger through this platform, and the accuracy potential is serious. The cold-hammer-forged, 22-inch stainless barrel is the heart of it. Ruger’s process creates an incredibly consistent bore, and the .204 Ruger caliber itself is a laser beam—minimal drop, almost no recoil, and devastating on small targets out to 300 yards and beyond. The laminated stock isn’t just for looks, either. It’s far more resistant to warping from moisture and temperature swings than standard walnut or cheap synthetics, which is a real benefit during a damp Missouri spring or a blazing summer stakeout. The barrel is also free-floated, meaning it doesn’t touch the stock along its length, which allows it to vibrate consistently shot after shot for better groups. This rifle is drop-in ready; you can mount a scope using standard Ruger #1 bases (I used a set from Warne) and head to the range without any fuss.
The integral scope mounts machined into the receiver are a classic M77 feature I’ve always appreciated. They provide a solid, shear-proof foundation, and using quality rings like those from Warne or Leupold ensures your zero stays put. The controlled-round feed Mauser-style action is another highlight. It’s smooth, reliable, and that claw extractor positively grips the cartridge rim. The tang-mounted, three-position safety is intuitive and silent to operate, a big plus when you’re trying not to spook every critter in the county. The trigger is adjustable for pull weight, and out of the box, mine broke cleanly at a little under 4 pounds. For a hunting rifle at this price of $1003.82, that’s a very solid starting point.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .204 Ruger |
| Barrel | 22″ Cold Hammer-Forged Stainless Steel |
| Overall Length | 42″ |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
| Action | Bolt Action, Controlled Round Feed |
| Magazine Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Safety | Three-Position Tang Safety |
Pros: The stainless and laminate construction is incredibly tough and weather-resistant. The .204 Ruger chambering offers superb ballistic performance for varmints with minimal recoil. The action is robust and reliable. The free-floated, hammer-forged barrel is a proven accuracy system. It comes ready for your optics with integral bases.
Cons: It’s not a lightweight mountain rifle—it’s a stable platform first. The laminated stock, while stable, adds some heft. The adjustable trigger is good, but aftermarket options are limited compared to a Remington 700 pattern.
So who is this rifle for? It’s for the serious varmint hunter, the farmer dealing with crop predators, or the shooter who just appreciates a durable, accurate, and straightforward bolt-action rifle. If you spend weekends chasing prairie dogs, coyotes, or bobcats across open fields and want a rifle that can handle the elements and deliver precision, this M77 Predator is a top-tier choice. It’s a working tool, not a safe queen, and it’s built to perform year after year. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the .204 Ruger suitable for anything larger than coyotes or groundhogs?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it. The .204 Ruger is a small-caliber, high-velocity round designed for varmints and predators up to coyote size. It lacks the bullet mass and energy for ethical takedowns of deer-sized game. Stick to its intended purpose for fantastic results.
Q: What kind of scope magnification should I pair with this rifle?
A: Given the .204 Ruger’s long-range potential, a variable scope in the 4-16x or 6-24x range is ideal. You’ll want higher magnification for precise shots on small targets at distance. Brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Nikon offer excellent options in their varmint/hunting lines that match this rifle’s capabilities.
Q: Does it come with a detachable magazine?
A: No, this version of the M77 Predator uses a traditional internal magazine loaded through the top of the action with a hinged floorplate for unloading. It holds 4 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber. Some find this more streamlined and reliable than a detachable box magazine for a hunting rifle.
If a rugged, accurate, and weatherproof varmint rifle chambered in a potent flat-shooting round sounds like the missing piece in your safe, you should take a closer look at the Ruger M77 Predator in .204 Ruger.
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