Ruger RSM in 338 Win Mag?

[Axle2010]

Did the RSM ever come in 338? I've seen one for sale but I thought they only came in 375 416 and 458's. Google says yes it did but then starts telling me about the Ruger Alaskan so that don't sound right. The rifle for sale does have the barrel band and the 'receiver to rear site base thingamabob' that I don't know what to call but the other RSM's I've seen have it. Anybody know for sure?

 

[ThreeJacks]

Did the RSM ever come in 338? I've seen one for sale but I thought they only came in 375 416 and 458's. Google says yes it did but then starts telling me about the Ruger Alaskan so that don't sound right. The rifle for sale does have the barrel band and the 'receiver to rear site base thingamabob' that I don't know what to call but the other RSM's I've seen have it. Anybody know for sure?

From Jerry Lee's Standard Catalog of Ruger Firearms (2014):

MODEL 77 EXPRESS MARK II
Introduced in 1992, the Express Mark II featured a select Circassian walnut straight
comb stock with 22 line-per-inch checkering. Barrel length is 22 inches with a v-notch
express-type rear and blade front sight. The receiver is milled for Ruger’s integral scope
mount bases. This model was chambered in .270 Win., 7mm Rem. Mag., .30-06, .300
Win. Mag. and .338 Win. Magnum. This model was in production until 2002.

There is also the more current (I think the 338 is still in production) Hawkeye African:

MODEL HM77R HAWKEYE AFRICAN
Chambered in .300 Win. Mag., .338 Win. Mag., 9.3x62mm, .375 Ruger or .416 Ruger.
Features include a checkered American walnut stock with ebony fore-end cap, barrel
band with sling swivel stud and a 23-inch barrel with express-style sights and muzzle
brake. Metal finish is satin blue. Approximate weight is 8 pounds.

 

[Axle2010]

Ok so it's an Express instead of a Magnum sounds like. Thanks for the info

 

[Axle2010]

Does anybody here have first hand experience with these rifles? There's a Weatherby Mark V in 340 for the same price, it's a gorgeous rifle and I want a 340 but damn those stocks are insanely shiny so the Ruger is more hunt friendly.

 

[Topshots]

Just a personal opinion, so take this for what it's worth, but I think the WSM line of calibers will be around longer.

Currently I don't own a RSM or a WSM but I am considering a WSM if I don't buy a rifle in an already established caliber. Winchester can manufacture not only the rifle but also the ammunition. I'm skeptical of calibers introduced by either bullet or gun makers, even in conjunction. Winchester has more of a vested interest in seeing the WSM line succeed I think.

 

[ldmay375]

The RSM that he is referring to is the actual rifle, not cartridge. Ruger Safari Magnum.

I have one of the Ruger Express Rifles in 30-06. I bought it used, and have not gotten around to firing it. Integral Quarter Rib is the term that you looking for regarding the sight base.
The actions are Mark II's as noted in the prior posted info. Some are of the non-control round feed, the first version of the Mark II action. My 30-06 action is one of the first versions. Pretty much a scaled down RSM. I like the looks of mine. The bluing on the actions can take on a slight purplish hue with age. At least mine has. As a Model 77 round top in 7x57 has also.

 

[Axle2010]

The RSM that he is referring to is the actual rifle, not cartridge. Ruger Safari Magnum.

I have one of the Ruger Express Rifles in 30-06. I bought it used, and have not gotten around to firing it. Integral Quarter Rib is the term that you looking for regarding the sight base.
The actions are Mark II's as noted in the prior posted info. Some are of the non-control round feed, the first version of the Mark II action. My 30-06 action is one of the first versions. Pretty much a scaled down RSM. I like the looks of mine. The bluing on the actions can take on a slight purplish hue with age. At least mine has. As a Model 77 round top in 7x57 has also.

Integral quarter rib that's it! Lol. Yeah I think this one is crf from the looks of the bolt, you know Ruger has a different kind of crf than the Winchester so the bolt face is shaped different. That's one thing that i like about the rifle, I don't know why but I like a crf action and I like how the Ruger is the only one that you can drop feed so it doesn't have to feed from the magazine if you're in a hurry

 

[ldmay375]

Integral quarter rib that's it! Lol. Yeah I think this one is crf from the looks of the bolt, you know Ruger has a different kind of crf than the Winchester so the bolt face is shaped different. That's one thing that i like about the rifle, I don't know why but I like a crf action and I like how the Ruger is the only one that you can drop feed so it doesn't have to feed from the magazine if you're in a hurry

The bolt faces of control round feeds, have the bottom lip machine to allow the cartridge rim to slide under the extractors. Ruger does not differ in that. Actually there are more than Ruger that you can drop feed and jump the extractor over the rim of the chambered cartridge. All of my Winchester Model 70 classics you can, Most any can be modified to do so if desired.

The Model 77 / tang safety Rugers were push feeds with the long extractor. The Mark II's when first introduced were also, but had the 3 position safety. Quite a few folks had the lip on the early Mark II's machined off, to allow control round feed. It was fairly popular for control round feed enthusiasts to have this done. It was not too long until Ruger was doing the same, and the push feed Mark II's were no longer produced.

I will leave my push feed express rifle as is. Not many Express rifles were produced.
There is a bit of a cult following for these rifles.

 

[ActionBob]

Did the RSM ever come in 338? I've seen one for sale but I thought they only came in 375 416 and 458's. Google says yes it did but then starts telling me about the Ruger Alaskan so that don't sound right. The rifle for sale does have the barrel band and the 'receiver to rear site base thingamabob' that I don't know what to call but the other RSM's I've seen have it. Anybody know for sure?

Most of your questions and mistaken info by others has been explained.

Yes the RSM is a true Magnum. The common assumption is Ruger Safari Magnum. I believe the way Ruger labeled it's guns would technically make it Rings. Sights, Magnum. You are correct in that they came in 375 H&H, 416 Rigby, and 458 Lott. They came in the older 780 serial number prefix with a unique type of floating front barrel band sling mount that actually protruded through the longer fore-end of the stock. And the later 750 serial number with a true barrel band front sling swivel mount. There are some specials (i believe Cabelas) with engraved floorplates with 375 a lion, 416 buffalo and 458 elephant.

The Ruger Express model in 338 win mag with integral quarter rib you speak of would have a 760 serial number prefix. Those were made in 270 win., 7 mm Rem Mag, 30'06, 300 win mag, 338 win mag. And the white elephant, the 25-06.

I've had or have a couple of each exception being the 25-06.

I've hunted with 3 of my Ruger Express rifles. All have been accurate. A 30-06. A 300 win mag. And a 338 win mag.

 

[Axle2010]

The bolt faces of control round feeds, have the bottom lip machine to allow the cartridge rim to slide under the extractors. Ruger does not differ in that. Actually there are more than Ruger that you can drop feed and jump the extractor over the rim of the chambered cartridge. All of my Winchester Model 70 classics you can, Most any can be modified to do so if desired.

The Model 77 / tang safety Rugers were push feeds with the long extractor. The Mark II's when first introduced were also, but had the 3 position safety. Quite a few folks had the lip on the early Mark II's machined off, to allow control round feed. It was fairly popular for control round feed enthusiasts to have this done. It was not too long until Ruger was doing the same, and the push feed Mark II's were no longer produced.

I will leave my push feed express rifle as is. Not many Express rifles were produced.
There is a bit of a cult following for these rifles.

I wonder what the difference is in your M70 and mine because number absolutely won't allow a drop fed round. It'll chamber obviously but the bolt won't close in the round. Thanks for all the info guys I really like these Ruger RSM and Express rifles from what I've seen.

 

[ldmay375]

Dimensions of the, groove of the extractor cut, the extractor, the extractor bevel. Possibly even brass dimensions, or various combinations. Sometimes a slight modification of the bevel is all it takes. That is out of skill set comfort zone. As is determining how much lateral movement the extractor requires.

I have rifles of other makes that will not allow the "jump over". One brand rifle in different cartridges will allow and not allow.

I definitely reacquaint myself with each prior to hunting. I can see where dropping in the cartridge and closing the bolt could be handy. But, I have not changed any of mine that will not. On the initial loading, most of those will allow me to press down the cartridge for the chamber, so the extractor will grab it to feed.

 

[Rafiki]

I wonder what the difference is in your M70 and mine because number absolutely won't allow a drop fed round. It'll chamber obviously but the bolt won't close in the round. Thanks for all the info guys I really like these Ruger RSM and Express rifles from what I've seen.

Well, I have a RSM in 274 and it definitely will not drop fed, found that out today while cycling through some hand loads in prep for my buffalo hunt.

 

[cajunchefray]

The RSM that he is referring to is the actual rifle, not cartridge. Ruger Safari Magnum.

I have one of the Ruger Express Rifles in 30-06. I bought it used, and have not gotten around to firing it. Integral Quarter Rib is the term that you looking for regarding the sight base.
The actions are Mark II's as noted in the prior posted info. Some are of the non-control round feed, the first version of the Mark II action. My 30-06 action is one of the first versions. Pretty much a scaled down RSM. I like the looks of mine. The bluing on the actions can take on a slight purplish hue with age. At least mine has. As a Model 77 round top in 7x57 has also.

@ldmay375 has accurately described the Ruger premium rifle lineup.

Bill Ruger built a proper African hunting rifle in 2 action lengths, with integral quarter ribs, (7 hours of machining just to make a single barrel), 3 leaf express sights, barrel band sling attachment (in 2 different layouts).

Ruger never made a decent profit on these, but Bill Ruger wanted to build and sell them. God Bless him.
When he died, the new management phased these out, and developed the African lineup, as a less expensive alternative. Nice rifles, but not an Express.

After owning a couple RSEX (Express, standard-length actions, .30-06- and .338-Win Mag) and RSM (Magnum length actions, .375 H&H, .416 Rigby, .458 Lott), I have kept the 30-06. Should have never sold the .458 Lott, as it balanced perfectly in the Magnum action.

The .338 Win Mag RSEX was a beautiful rifle (excellent wood, fit and finish), I sold it as I just could not shoot it well due to the recoil impulse, stock dimensions, fit, etc.
I would buy another, if available, now that I've have found a gunsmith who does excellent stock fit and stock making.

If you are considering a .340 Weatherby, and can handle that recoil, then BUY the Ruger RSEX in .338 Win Mag, and don't look back.

You can always buy another Weatherby, but Ruger RSEX is a classic of the past from American, large production firearms companies. Many custom gunsmiths, building fine rifles, can build the equivalent quality, but you will pay a lot more.

The prices of the Ruger Express, and Magnums are only going up.

I kept my .30-06, RSEX as one of the last guns I would sell. It's just nice.