Sturm, Ruger & Co. introduced two new M77 “extreme hunting rifles” using cartridges developed by Hornady. These rifles are offered in .300 RCM and .338 RCM. RCM stands for Ruger Compact Magnum and were developed by Hornady using the latest in smokeless powders.
The .300 RCM in a 20″ barrel matches the ballistics of the .300 Winchester Magnum from a 24.5″ barrel, while the .338 RCM with a 20″ barrel matches the ballistics of the .338 Winchester Magnum from a 24.5″ barrel, said Stephen L. Sanetti, the president of Ruger.
In addition to the shorter length, the new RCM rifles also feature a short action and come standard with a recoil pad, LC6 trigger, steel floorplate, and more. Each rifle can be had with a blued barrel and American walnut stock, or a stainless barrel and a black synthetic stock. Each M77 retails for $995.
Update (Jan 2013) – Since the original introduction of these cartridges, Ruger no longer makes the M77 in 300 RCM or 338 RCM. Â However, the company is still making rifles chambered for these two calibers.
The new Ruger Guide Gun is a purpose-built rifle that is made in both 300 RCM and 338 RCM. Â The new Guide Gun is a bolt action rifle, but one that does not retain the very traditional look of the Hawkeye line. Â The new rifles have a matte stainless barrel and action, open sights, a “Green Mountain Laminate” stock and fairly aggressive recoil reduction pads. Â At the end of the barrel is a muzzle brake to help tame recoil. Â Considering these guns are relatively lightweight, have short barrels (20″) and are chambered for serious hunting cartridges like the 300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag and 375 Ruger in addition to the RCMs, knocking down the recoil is important.
The 300 RCM and 338 RCM are nearly identical rifles, with the 300 being slightly heavier (8.12 pounds vs 8 pounds.) Â MSRP on these rifles is $1199. Â The Guide Gun was announced shortly before the 2013 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, NV.
At this time, Hornady is still manufacturing several different loads for both RCM calibers.
I’ve got a Ruger Hawkeye in 338 RCM and I really like it ….a very comfortable rifle to shoot with a smooth trigger.
Groups are very impressive so far.
All in all its a nice durable package.
I just purchased a new 338RCM, just finished lining it in today, groups 225 sst @ 200 yds. No more recoil than a 300 ultra mag. real pleased with Andy @ East County Guns Elma Wa. For recomending this compact rifle, I think this a great rifle for hunting elk,bear and other large game in thick brushy conditions,short and light.
‘bought a .338 RCM when it first came out for crawling around through PA laurel for bear. Restocked it with a Hogue overmolded full bed block stock and free floated the bbl. Using a 2.5 x 8 leup VXIII, 200 and 225gr factory ammo shoots under an inch @ 100 yds. Recoil is on the mild side, something on the order of a lite wt ’06. Using it for everything from ground hogs to elk. Nothing has complained. Will be loading-up the newly introduced Barnes tsx 185’s. If they shoot as well as the factory loads, I’m done.