Modern bolt-action rifles are rugged, reliable and accurate, whether the game is a prairie dog, predator, plains or woodland buck, or high-country bull. They also handle heavy caliber cartridges for dangerous game!

Perhapsthe most versatile of all modern sporting rifle designs is the bolt-action, because it has proven to be adaptable to the full range of cartridges, from smaller varmint calibers to the dangerous game-stopping big bore calibers like the .416 Ruger.

The strength of a modern bolt-action, especially considering today’s advanced metallurgy and modern steels, is beyond question, so selecting a bolt-action rifle for any type of hunting challenge makes sense. Millions of other outdoorsmen and women have already made that choice, for a wide range of reasons.

Rugged bolt-action rifles such as Ruger’s M77 Hawkeye epitomizes the kind of functional, safe and practical hunting tool that can be found in hunting camps and cabins across America. The good news is that there are models available in popular hunting calibers for left handed shooters, eliminating the problem that left-handed hunters endured for many years when they had to operate a right-hand bolt-action. This handicap no longer exists. Right or left-hand, several features demanded by serious shooters can be found on modern American-made bolt-action Ruger rifles.

For starters, these rifles are designed with a non-rotating Mauser-type extractor and controlled feeding system; the most reliable design ever developed. It is smooth, fast and positive, and reliably ejects empty cartridges then picks up a fresh round from the magazine and guides it into the chamber. This action, with a bolt face that covers the cartridge base, completely encloses

the cartridge. This design feature allows the bolt-action to accommodate very powerful cartridges, including the big magnums, and the high-pressure varmint calibers.

Another important consideration on any rifle is the manual safety, and Ruger’s M77 models all feature a three-position safety. Preferred by many veteran hunters from North America to South Africa, the three-position safety completely locks the action when placed in the rear position. In the center position, the safety allows the bolt to be cycled for unloading, but securely locks the trigger so the gun can not be fired. In the forward “off” position, the rifle may be fired and the bolt operated.

The hinged steel floorplate on this series of rifles allows for the magazine to be quickly emptied from the bottom, eliminating the necessity of cycling each cartridge out through the top of the action, while keeping the muzzle aimed in a safe direction. Ruger designers incorporate a recessed floorplate release so that it cannot be accidentally depressed, allowing cartridges to fall out.

Perhaps the single most important component of an accurate rifle is the trigger. For consistently accurate shooting, one must have a smooth trigger squeeze with a crisp break. Ruger’s LC6TM trigger, available on M77 Hawkeye rifles, was developed for just this purpose. Ruger also offers a two-stage trigger on certain Predator & Target models.

Another attribute of the modern bolt-action rifle found on the M77 rifle series is a hammer-forged barrel smooth bore with lands and grooves that reduce bullet drag. This type of barrel contributes to the inherent accuracy of the bolt-action design, because the result is a remarkably smooth bore that reduces bullet drag and fouling, which can diminish accuracy. Used with quality ammunition, the bolt-action rifle with a hammer-forged barrel can deliver superb, consistent accuracy shot after shot.

One thing that experienced riflemen long ago realized is that different rifles perform differently with various loads. That is, some cartridges with different bullet weights and/or designs will perform better than other cartridges of the same caliber but with different bullet weights/designs. It will take some experimentation at the range to determine which particular load works best in a particular rifle, but once you settle on a specific rifle/cartridge combination that is consistently accurate, stick with it because the rifle — when properly maintained — will serve well through years of use.

The next consideration is the stock, and there are three basic options: solid hardwood, a wood laminate, or a synthetic (often called “composite”) stock. There are advantages to each choice.

The most popular of the hardwoods is walnut, which comes in various grades, with patterns that can be visually pleasing and very attractive. They are also functional. Ruger builds all of its wood stocks at its own factory, and that includes adding the finish. Wood is durable, it can be finished smooth or with checkering, and is very often preferred by shooters.

Laminate stocks are visually stunning and they are also remarkably tough andweather-resistant. These stocks are made in the United States Ruger factory from thin layers of resin-impregnated wood that is pressure-laminated together, sometimes with different colors in each layer, giving the finished product the appearance of camouflage.

Synthetic stocks are made with a variety of materials, including nylon-reinforced fiberglass, assorted polymer compounds and combinations of materials. Such stocks are becoming increasingly popular among hunters in damp climates, such as found in the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Alaska and the Gulf Coast. These stocks are impervious to changing weather conditions, and they no longer only come in basic black. Synthetic stocks now are available with camouflage finishes, which are popular with varmint hunters.

Regardless of the stock material, a good recoil pad is a necessity, especially on the heavier caliber guns. To enjoy the full potential of a bolt-action rifle, one should use a quality riflescope, and today’s models are built with the finest optics available, thanks to advances in optical developments over the past half-century. While most rifles come drilled and tapped to accept accessory mounting bases, Ruger designers long ago addressed this by actually designing the receiver to accept Ruger patented rings that are supplied with each rifle. These rings are engineered to stay put once they are installed, precluding any chance of a scope “shooting loose” under repeated heavy recoil. This design feature assures continued accuracy by maintaining the integrity of the scope’s alignment.

And this leads to a reminder that good hunters are good marksmen. This requires practice at the range, and many successful hunters will suggest practicing in different weather and light conditions to simulate what someone might encounter on an actual hunt. Repeated practice also guarantees that the rifle remains sighted in, and that the shooter and his or her rifle work together. This familiarity reinforces not only marksmanship skills, but safety, and ultimately that will pay off with a safe, productive and enjoyable time outdoors.