Re: Ruger M77 in 7mm mag
Ruger M77 Mk II rifles are good American-made guns based on a Mauser action. They are strong, sleek, and rugged. While not known for having an excellent trigger, it is possible to swap out the 7-8 pound trigger for something far lower. The receivers and bolts are exceptionally well made, but their barrels have had some occasional periods where the quality was a bit substandard.
I like mine, a lot. It's a .243 Winchester with American Walnut stock and it's a very good rifle. I really appreciate the controlled round feed of a Mauser bolt action. I think it is far superior to the push feed of a Rem 700 or Win 70 when dealing with tough climates and weather.
Ruger chambers the M77 Mk II for more cartridges than any other rifle that I know of, which shows balls on their part. And they have a superb customer service attitude.
I think that an un-scoped M77 @ $499 is a bit steep, as new ones go for $600 all day long and they include the very good Ruger integral scope rings which are worth around $60 themselves.
And as far as 7mm Mag goes, I can take it or leave it. I don't shoot at long ranges so the .243 and the .270 work very well for me without the harsher recoil of the seven-mag.