I have spent the better part of about 5 years or so looking for a LH Ruger M77 in 220 swift. I decided that no matter how hard I look, this gun just isn't around. I am not even sure Ruger made a LH version. So I have thrown in the towel in this search.

But, there is a silver lining in this cloud. I went to a pawn shop the other day and there was a M77 in 220 Swift, it is RH, but I can live with that, most of my shooting of this gun will be off of a bipod or rest. So in actuality, a RH version makes more sense because I don't have to move my strong grip hand to work the bolt. If I do shoot it offhand, it is no big deal, I have been shooting RH bolt guns for years. In fact, my LH bolt guns seemed akward at first. It has the tang safety and the correct red rubber buttpad.

The gun itself was made in 1976. I know this because it says so on the barrel. It says "Made in the 200th Year of American Liberty", pretty cool. And it doesn't have the Ruger billboard.

It has a few freckles on the tapered barrel and the receiver and back of the bolt are developing a nice plum color, but it doesn't look to have been shot much. The bolt face and the throat are both pristine. The only way you can tell it has ever been cycled is there is some brass marks on the magazine ramp.

There are two or three minor character dings in the wood, but they are barely noticable.

It even came with a correct era scope. It has a weaver K4-W on it. The one with the rectangular ocular. It is clear, the crosshairs are very fine and nice and crisp.

I paid what I think was a fair price for it, <400 dollars, so all in all, I am pretty happy.

I can't wait to start working up some loads.

bob

BobR;

We're still waitin' for a range report.  Patience hell, get busy!

900F

Well, I took it out a few weeks ago and had a group of 5 shots basically touching at 100yds. That was with the 1970's vintage Weaver K-4W and factory 55gr ammo. I was most impressed, so was my shooting partner. I need to get out for some longer range shooting and see if I need to swap out the scope. The older Weaver does have a fairly thick crosshair and I don't want to obscure those little guys at longer ranges.

I am going to try 52gr in it because my 22-250 loves that weight. If it does as well, I will only need to buy one weight of bullets for the two.

I will be moving back to Spokane soon, so my shooting is on hold until I can get there.

bob

Rob if ya want to peddle that scope sometime in the future let me know, I really like the K-4 weavers.

Rick

Hivoltfl;

Do you do any of your own work on the El Paso Weavers?  If so, PM me the addy & I'll send you one in pretty poor shape.  I'm not looking for repair, I'm giving it to you if you want it.

900F

CB thanks for the offer but I dont work on them, I own about 5 K-4's and a couple K-3's, I guess I am telling my age but what the hell I am OLDSCHOOL and proud of it..

Rick

Fella's;

I'm a dedicated lefty, and my .220 Swift is a Ruger.  It's just a #1V, not a bolt gun.  I don't think Ruger made any bolt guns with a left hand bolt in .220 Swift.

A load that works very well for me in the #1 is: 45 grains of Vihta N160 in Winchester brass, CCI std primer, and the Hornady 50 grain V-Max bullet.  I get 3960 fps muzzle over my Oehler 35P chrono & excellent accuracy.  YRMV.

For that matter, I don't think any manufacturer ever made an LHB in 6.5 Swede.  That's gonna be my next project, a left handed Swede bolt gun.  It's not gonna be cheap, but when I'm done, it should be a helluva gun.

900F

Urbaner;

Is that the Sports Hollow in Ashland Wisconsin?

900F

CB

since Savage makes a LH long action.  A LH 6.5 should be easy to just replace the barrel (midway)?

Not a classy custom gun but Savage wood/fit/finish is getting better, especially in the polished grades.  The low initial cost would let lots of $$$ to polish/blue/stock.

BEAR

Fella's;

I just found out today that Cooper is willing to produce a 6.5 Swede on a single-shot left hand bolt action.  I'm not at all sure I want to spend that kind of money on a single-shot.  But, I did find a company that does it for sure.  And even a Montana company at that!

900F

 Would that be one of these gems,ya gotta admit they do look hot.

TB,

In what left hand short action calibers is the T3 offered?  I would like to have a 260.   What do you think?