Ruger M77 Guide vs Alaskan

[analog_peninsula]

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to decide between the Guide Gun and the Alaskan, and none of the local stores stock both so I can handle them in person. Which one do you prefer, and why?

Inquiring minds want to know

 

[pilar]

It’s ascetic/ personal preference, one has a laminated stock other is injection molded black stock
Both 20” barrel
Mine has a 23” barrel and no muzzle brake, love it

I don’t know what else to say, lots of threads about them on here , google it

 

[USMA84DAB]

I have fired a Guide gun, and have TWO Alaskans in .375 Ruger - a clue as to how much I like them.

The Guide gun may still make it into my stable of ponies. It is harsher on recoil as the laminate does NOT flex like the Hogue overmolded stock on the Alaskans.

 

[analog_peninsula]

I don’t know what else to say, lots of threads about them on here , google it

I read a number of older threads, but they weren’t really definitive. Lots of love for both models but very few have owned or shot both.

 

[ldmay375]

As you know the stocks are the only difference. I have a few of the older non-threaded Alaskans, 375's & 416's. I replaced the stocks with after market fiberglass ones. I have one of the most recent production threaded Alaskan in 416, that I have not replaced the stock. I have a couple of 30-06 Guide Guns that also replaced the stocks.

Six one way / half a dozen the other. The Hogue and the laminated are both serviceable to me as is. The rubber Hogue is virtually weather proof and the laminate is not far behind. The laminate does allow for stock length adjustment with the provided spacers.

My son replaced the Hogue on an Alaskan, with one of the take-off laminate stocks that I had from a Guide Gun. So just depends on personal likes.

 

[ChrisG]

My guide gun in 375 is.... functional. They are definitely NOT a MkII. Cast lines left everywhere.... a bead blasted finish that is one step away from just coating the metal in sandpaper... but mine works and it is tough. It needs to be slicked up and some work to be done still. I have to cut the threads off the end of the barrel and recrown because they really bother me. But as far as all weather goes. I wish I had gone with the alaskan.

 

[Northern Shooter]

I own the Guide Gun in 338 WinMag and my father in law owns the Alaskan in 300 WinMag.

Hold them side by side, the Alaskan is heavier and feels a little bulkier, all due to the Hogue stock. If you hunt in a cold climate the stock on the Alaskan may be preferable when using gloves.

I love the look of the Guide Gun myself, lots of a power in a handy, compact package.