SmallCaliberCentral

Hey guys. I'm very intrigued with the 204 ruger and am looking at purchasing a Ruger Mark II Target in 204 Ruger. What is everyones opinion of this gun? I have been a loyal ruger fan and have had good luck with 2 other Ruger centerfire rifles, 10/22's, Mark II and Mark III pistols, etc. Im looking to stay under $750 and am looking for a stainless with black laminate stock or similar arrangement. It will be used as a bench gun (to 300+- yards) and will not be toted around the woods. It will also serve a second duty as crow, possum, armadillo, etc. exterminator in the local farmers fields. Am I skipping over other guns that I should look at as well? Thanks in advance. As a side note, I will be dumping an AR-15 (223) to fund this project. I get so tired chasing empties, esp as of late when the brass buzzards are swarming at the local gun range....

I have one in a 243 win and she is a fine shooter. Gun is completely stock, did not bed the action or anything and she shoots well. I have two buddies that have the same gun and they both love theirs

I have an old one in 223 and love it. It is very accurate ( .5 inch including flyer. ) and deals out destruction to the bunnies at 200 pretty well every shot.
I would not hesitate to get another one but be warned, rumour has it that some may be less accurate than others, I have yet to find one of the less accurate ones.
I got a howa 204 based on price alone as here there is a $300 difference and I don't have that $300 right now!

I've had mine, which is a .204, since they first came out....it's a very accurate, sturdy rifle, and i've been very satisfied with it.

Thanks guys. I have been drooling over the Ruger for a while. The top contenders are:

Ruger Mark II Target MSRP $979
Remington 700 VLS MSRP $1045
Savage 12 VLP DBM MSRP $1052

in that order. Any opinions on the others listed? They're all within about $50 of each other retail.

I have the exact rifle. Excellent weapon in my opinion. My Ruger is topped off with a Leupold VX-III 6-20x40 and is smoking accurate at 300 yards.

Mine shoots 40 grain lead very well with benchmark and Rem 7 1/2 primers. I know most guys don't like 40 grain lead in a 12:1 twist but my rifle with the 26" barrel seems to be the best combo.

I think I paid $625 for mine new....plus tax. I kinda fell into a deal that day when I visited the local gun shop.

Don't overlook the Howas 's. Price will surprise you, maybe 200 to 300 bucks less than those you listed. Although made in Japan, don't let that fool you, mine shoots the 39gr pills into 1/2 in and less, have shot groups to less than 3/8 in @ 100yds with it. Also, Howa is the maker of the Weatherby Vangard model. At their price, that will give you some extra bucks for a good scope.

I had one and it was the most accurate 204 I ever had. I know two other guys with the same rifles in 204 and they are also tackdrivers.
All 3 shoot the hornady 40 grain Vmax really well.
I shot a few 1.5in groups with mine at 400 yards.

I have one with a green laminate stock target grey barrel. after bedding and a trigger job it shoots as well as my cooper
able ammo has the for $765.09

Ruger M77 Mark II Target Rifle 17974, 204 Ruger, 26 in, Black Laminate Stock, Stainless Steel Finish