Ruger safari magnum. Good, Bad and Ugly?

[Rafiki]

You might contact bottom-metal expert, Duane Wiebe, and see if he’s added them to Ruger Magnums.

Thanks for the suggestion. I did a quick search for him and a M77 did pop up; unfortunately the bottom metal looks original Ruger.

 

[Raccoon357]

For what it’s worth. I purchased a used M77 RSM 416 Rigby. Sent to Magna Port, installed a Falcon Strike recoil pad.
Approximately 200 ish rds down range.
No issues, using hand-loads 2400 fps 430 gr NF projectiles.
I have had no stock issues.
Great accuracy, I ve had it just over a year preparing for a 8/2023 trip to SA.

 

[Rafiki]

Nice wood and finish.

 

[krish]

Nice looking rifle. Good luck with your hunt.
Krish

 

[Jack Stevens]

Nice wood and finish.

Yeah, I like the wood a lot. Just not sure what’s going on with the recoil pad.

Looks like a poorly-fitted Kickezz.

 

[Raccoon357]

It’s a Falcon Strike. Works better then it looks.

 

[ACM]

I own (2) Ruger RSM’s, a 458 Lott & 416 RGBY. They are a ton of rifle for the money. I also own a CZ 550. Love them both (RSM & 550), but the RSMs already come with all the stuff I paid to upgrade on my CZ. RSM action is absolutely butter smooth, & they are built like a tank! You get (1) more RIGBY in the CZ mag, but I think 3+1 rnds Rigby in the RSM is sufficient! Probably about to sell the 416, I use the Lott much more frequently. No one should have any hesitation that is looking to purchase a Ruger RSM. Can’t say enough!
They FEED, GO BANG, & EJECT every time like clockwork! Look good doing it too!

 

[colorado]

The Ruger RSM is one of the best rifles ever built for the money. They are a little fat on the weight side but other than that you can’t beat them. I know serval PH’s that have carried and relied on the RSM for many years and still do so today even know they are out of production. I have also read many accounts of PH’s and hunters alike relying on them. More than likely Ruger will never produce the RSM ever again.

There are some far fetched asking and selling prices right now for the RSM but if you keep your eyes open you can still pick them up at reasonable prices. Cabela’s just sold a new no box 416 Rigby last week for $1,799.00. $3,000.00 is pushing it as far as I am concerned and really $2,500.00 is as well. But at the end of the day it is what it is worth to you.

The Ruger Hawkeye African (Guide Gun and Alaskan) are great rifles as well and can not beat them for the price. The profile and ergonomics of the African is great. You can carry them all day with out breaking your back and they are fast handling. The only drawback is the chamberings. Although I think the 375 and 416 Ruger are some of the best new cartridges out today and they have a lot of potential for standard length actions. The Hawkeye African is no RSM but it is not supposed to be either. The African is my go to.

As far as the CZ is concerned it ain’t no Ruger and never will be. With that said CZ’s are great rifles just not in the same class as the Ruger’s.

The Ruger No. 1 Tropical is also a great rifle. One of the best single shoots ever made. Again a little fat on the weight side. Prices should be around $1,000.00 to $1,750.00 for the Tropical.

As far as the 416 Rigby or Ruger vs 458 Lott or Winchester Magnum stick with the 416. It will out penetrate the 458 any day of the week.

Thanks
275

CZ ain't no ruger that's for sure. Action machined from billet as opposed to investment cast. I'll take my CZ 500 anytime.

 

[eyedok]

I have killed several buff in Tanzania and Zambia w RSM .375, performed well, but the stock is a little thick, so i have switched to a .375 Interarms Whitworth and like it much better, took my best buff in Zambia w it last summer

 

[colorado]

I think the CZ 550s tend to be on the heavy side, perfect for a 458 Lott, 450 Rigby, 500 Jeffery or a 505 Gibbs. A bit too much for the smaller calibers. Mine in 500 Jeffery.

 

[Daniel Cary]

There were 3 458 Lott's @ Cabella's in 2003 .. $1695. .. Shelved it, which is ridiculous in some opinion, with less than 20 Hornady's.
Addl: I almost let the M77 go for $500, had no idea they went up ..

 

[dgtlclose]

OK this maybe a dumb question, but I'm going to ask it anyway for clarification, does the 1990 Ruger RSM shoot standard .375 H&H rounds (lots of off the shelf brands), and the Ruger African shoot "Ruger .375", made overall for just Ruger rifles?

 

[Northern Shooter]

OK this maybe a dumb question, but I'm going to ask it anyway for clarification, does the 1990 Ruger RSM shoot standard .375 H&H rounds (lots of off the shelf brands), and the Ruger African shoot "Ruger .375", made overall for just Ruger rifles?

Yes.

The RSM was chambered for a bunch of classic African cartridges including the 375HH.

The latest Ruger Hawkeye African (and Guide Gun) are chambered for Ruger's proprietary cartridges 375 and 416 Ruger.

 

[EfRed]

That do have a weird bedding/recoil system and are a little Front heavy. Recoil pad is a bit thin. But it's nothing a good gunsmith can't deal with. I love mine, even though it has been shot yet. Going to a gunsmith for some bedding and stock reinforcement.

I have one in .458 Lott, not front-heavy. The .375 H&H I handled was front heavy, I think they used the same barrel for both. I put in a Timney trigger.

 

[EfRed]

I remember not too long ago they were $1200 or so. Now about twice that. Probably still worth the money compared to some others in that price range.

Was a $2000 rifle ca 2005 when I bought mine, can't believe a decent one ever went for $1200.

 

[EfRed]

I have an older non-magnum M77 MkII Express Rifle in .30-06. They also made these in .270W. Same feature as the Magnum line. Looks like this:

View attachment 516692

It handles great and is very accurate in the '06 chambering, but, ... that said, I wouldn't want one in a Magnum chambering, like the 416 Rigby or .458 WM or Lott.

Aside from the thin, shoulder-bustin' recoil pad, too small-ish thumb safety, and stingy mag-capacity, I think the handling qualities of a CZ that's had certain custom touches gives you more for the same or less money.

The question, as always, is finding the right CZ 550 Magnum base rifle and the right DGR 'smith, to start with.

not the same as Ruger RSM

 

[DrBob]

I agree with the odd recoil bedding system, but have never had an issue with it. I’ve taken two cape buffalo with a 416 RSM, some time ago. Incredible quality at that price point. For my taste, they are a little bulky, even for an express rifle. The extra weight does help tame recoil of course. I’ve never had any issue with the functionality, and have experience with both the 416 and one in 375. I also prefer a little more recoil pad, but mostly because I prefer a little more LOP. I hope that helps. I don’t think you can go wrong with one.

I glass bedded the base plate for the recoil system to give it some additional support. Superb accuracy anyway. Limitation in magazine size... Front heavy for the 416. I shot the Lott version but can't remember if overly front heavy. Overall ...very good quality. I have the No. 1 in Rigby, Remington 416s and 458 Win mag. All nice.

 

[TOBY458]

Was a $2000 rifle ca 2005 when I bought mine, can't believe a decent one ever went for $1200.

I used to see used ones for sale for $1200 all the time. Those days are long gone.

 

[EfRed]

Just picked up an unfired RSM in .458 Lott. I've done lots of reading on here and elsewhere on the rifles, and it appears some are adamant the rifle get stock work done before firing (bedding, tang reinforcement, etc.) while others seem to use the rifle straight out of the box without problems. I'd prefer to do the latter but obviously don't want to crack the stock or otherwise bungle things.

Those of you who used your RSM without sending it to a smith first, did you have any problems?

The safe play is to get the work done before using the rifle, but with smiths I've talked to either not taking on new work or the quoted wait being 12-24 months, I'm contemplating just shooting the damned thing.

I've never had mine rebedded. I have may be 60 full house 500 gr rounds through it, more 350 handloads. No problems so far. I remember hearing CZ rifles had stock cracking problems, and know of one Weatherby Mark V stock cracked (with my cousin's 8% over max loads), but never heard of the Safari Magnum stock cracking. What I call the Ruger Safari Magnum is stamped "Ruger Magnum" on the left side of the receiver, "Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. Southport, Conn. U.S.A." on the top of the barrel between the sling swivel mount and the quarter-bridge. The quarter bridge is integral and about 8.5" long. There is a wraparound front sight mount. One standing and 2 folding rear sight leaves on the bridge. The bolt is not knurled. Metal work is very smooth gloss black. It has some weight, but balances very well and is quick to shoulder, quick to sight. To me, the recoil is vicious with 500 gr loads, easy with faster 350 gr loads. And the 350 gr is probably more useful than the 500, except for buffalo and pachyderm. In North America, don't need the 500 gr. It's a fine rifle suited for everything. The rifle is very accurate.

 

[Jack Stevens]

not the same as Ruger RSM

Actually, that’s right, because I posted up the wrong picture.

Here’s my ‘06 Express Rifle. It has the same barrel-banded front sight and the same upscale integral rear sight as on the Safari Magnum Rifles.