Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan Bush Rifle 35 Whelen

Published on April 20, 2026
Duration: 23:27

This video reviews the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan Bush Rifle chambered in .35 Whelen. The presenter, Hickok45, provides an in-depth look at the rifle's features, including its laminate stock, stainless finish, and iron sights. He discusses the .35 Whelen cartridge's history and effectiveness for big game hunting, particularly for North American species like bear and moose. The review also covers practical aspects such as shooting impressions, recoil, and potential ammunition issues, offering a comprehensive overview for potential buyers.

Quick Summary

The Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan Bush Rifle is chambered in the .35 Whelen, a powerful cartridge developed in 1922. It's essentially a necked-up .30-06 designed for .35 caliber bullets, making it effective for large North American game like bear and moose. The rifle features a Mauser-style action with controlled round feed and iron sights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Initial Shots
  2. 00:31Targeting a Jug with .35 Whelen
  3. 01:22Rifle Identification: Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan .35 Whelen
  4. 02:16Sponsor: Davidson's Gallery of Guns
  5. 02:26Sponsor: Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI)
  6. 02:48Rifle Aesthetics & Features
  7. 03:20Barrel Twist Rate & Sights
  8. 03:33Shooting Low & Ammunition Issues
  9. 04:04Ammunition Types Tested (Remington, Winchester, Buffalo Bore)
  10. 04:17Light Strikes with Remington Core-Lokt
  11. 05:34Discouragement & Next Steps
  12. 06:33Sponsor: Alabama Holster
  13. 06:48Sponsor: Rent-A-Gun
  14. 07:47Shooting Impressions & Cartridge Overview
  15. 08:06.35 Whelen Cartridge History & Pronunciation
  16. 09:19Targeting Arizona Tea Jugs
  17. 09:33Shooting Hanging Bowling Pins
  18. 09:48Hitting the Red Plate Target
  19. 10:02Recoil Comparison
  20. 10:46Bush Rifle & Big Game Application
  21. 11:17.35 Whelen Cartridge Evolution
  22. 12:04Ruger's Recent Offerings
  23. 12:19More Remington Ammo Testing
  24. 13:08Target Destruction
  25. 13:52Bullet Weights & Ballistics
  26. 15:01Testing Problematic Ammo Box
  27. 16:06Rifle Features: Safety & Action
  28. 16:11Control Feed & Claw Extractor
  29. 17:04Testing 225 Grain Buffalo Bore
  30. 17:23Personal Philosophy: Why Own This Rifle?
  31. 18:52Final Shots & Target Practice
  32. 19:10Summary of .35 Whelen & Bush Rifle
  33. 20:30Overall Rifle Impression
  34. 21:00Addressing Shooting Low & Misfires
  35. 21:22Final Thoughts on Remington Ammo
  36. 21:44Full Rifle Name & Cartridge Recap
  37. 22:16Defense Capability & Sponsor Reminders
  38. 22:22Sponsor: Talon Grips
  39. 22:45Sponsor: Ballistol
  40. 23:04Social Media & Channel Promotion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan Bush Rifle chambered in?

The Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan Bush Rifle reviewed in this video is chambered in the .35 Whelen cartridge. This caliber is known for its effectiveness in big game hunting.

What are the key features of the .35 Whelen cartridge?

The .35 Whelen is a powerful cartridge developed in 1922, essentially a necked-up .30-06 designed for .35 caliber bullets. It's highly regarded for its performance on large North American game like bear and moose.

What shooting impressions did Hickok45 have of the Ruger M77 Hawkeye Alaskan in .35 Whelen?

Hickok45 found the rifle to be a nice 'bush rifle' with manageable recoil, less than a .375 H&H or .458. He noted it shoots low and experienced some light strikes with specific ammunition.

What ammunition issues were encountered with the .35 Whelen rifle?

The presenter experienced light strikes with Remington Core-Lokt ammunition, indicating potential primer issues. He also noted the need to hold high to compensate for the rifle shooting low.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from hickok45

View all →