First Thoughts on the Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine 5RD 357MAG – 357 Magnum Caliber, 5 Rounds, OEM Origin, 77/357 Model
The Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine 5RD 357MAG is a crucial component for anyone owning a Ruger 77/357 rifle. It’s a factory magazine designed for reliable feeding of .357 Magnum rounds in this popular bolt-action carbine, and the fact that it comes directly from Ruger is a significant selling point. This magazine is specifically engineered for the 77/357 platform and promises to be a key part of maintaining the rifle’s performance.
I’ve always believed in the importance of having spare magazines, especially for firearms I rely on for hunting or personal defense. My Ruger 77/357 is frequently used as a truck gun, and a reliable spare magazine is non-negotiable. I was looking for something I knew would work flawlessly and wouldn’t compromise the rifle’s reliability.
Upon receiving the magazine, I was immediately impressed with its solid construction and overall feel. The steel body feels robust, and the finish is consistent with the factory magazine that came with my rifle. It felt like a quality piece of equipment, certainly better than some aftermarket options I’ve encountered in the past.
I considered purchasing some cheaper, aftermarket magazines, but the mixed reviews steered me towards the Ruger factory option. Some aftermarket magazines I’ve used can have issues with feeding and reliability. I ultimately decided to pay the extra cost for the peace of mind that comes with an OEM magazine.
My initial impression was positive – this magazine appears to be exactly what I was hoping for. It gave me confidence that it would function reliably in my Ruger 77/357. It seemed a worthy investment to enhance my rifle’s functionality and ensure I had reliable backup in any situation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine 5RD 357MAG – 357 Magnum Caliber, 5 Rounds, OEM Origin, 77/357 Model to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine at my local shooting range, primarily focusing on how well it fed rounds into my Ruger 77/357. I ran approximately 100 rounds through it, varying the ammo types to test its performance with different bullet profiles.
The magazine performed flawlessly throughout the initial testing. There were no issues with feeding, and the rounds chambered smoothly every time. I also tested the magazine in cooler conditions (around 40°F) to ensure it didn’t experience any issues due to temperature.
The ease of use was excellent; it loads easily and seats positively in the magazine well of my rifle. It only took a few practice runs to get accustomed to loading it quickly and efficiently. No initial issues or surprises occurred during the first-time use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine during various range sessions, it has continued to hold up exceptionally well. I’ve put several hundred rounds through it.
I inspect it regularly for wear and tear, but so far, there are minimal signs of use. The steel construction has proven to be durable, and the magazine still functions just as reliably as it did on day one. It has been stored loaded for extended periods, with no ill effects.
The magazine is easy to clean; a quick wipe down with a lightly oiled cloth is usually sufficient. It is worth removing any debris that might accumulate inside the magazine body. I previously used a couple of aftermarket magazines with my Ruger 77/357, and the Ruger factory magazine significantly outperforms them in terms of reliability and overall build quality.
Breaking Down the Features of Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine 5RD 357MAG – 357 Magnum Caliber, 5 Rounds, OEM Origin, 77/357 Model
Specifications
The Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine is chambered in .357 Magnum Caliber, which is specifically designed for the Ruger 77/357 rifle. It has a 5-round capacity, offering a balance between size and firepower for hunting and recreational shooting. Being of OEM Origin, it ensures perfect compatibility and reliable performance with the 77/357 rifle platform.
The magazine is constructed from stamped steel, providing excellent durability and resistance to deformation. Its rotary design ensures each round is presented to the chamber at the correct angle, and the precise tolerances minimize the chance of misfeeds or jams. These specifications are important because they directly affect the reliability and smooth operation of the rifle.
Performance & Functionality
The Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine performs its job exceedingly well, providing consistent and reliable feeding of ammunition into the Ruger 77/357. It has proven to be both accurate and user-friendly in various shooting scenarios.
Its primary strength lies in its flawless feeding and reliability, ensuring the rifle cycles smoothly. It consistently chambers rounds without any hesitation or malfunction. The one area where it might be perceived as lacking is its 5-round capacity, which some shooters might find limiting compared to higher-capacity magazines (though none are available for this rifle).
The magazine meets and exceeds expectations for a factory magazine. It instills confidence that the rifle will perform reliably when needed.
Design & Ergonomics
The Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine features a robust steel construction with a blued finish for corrosion resistance. It feels solid in the hand. The magazine’s design is simple and functional.
The magazine is highly user-friendly, requiring minimal effort to load and seat into the rifle. There is no real learning curve associated with using it. The rotary design ensures each round is correctly positioned for reliable feeding.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel construction, the Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine is expected to last for many years with proper care. The durable steel body resists bending and deformation, and the spring maintains its tension even after extended use.
Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning with a bore solvent and light oil is sufficient to keep it in optimal working condition. Disassembly for cleaning is not typically necessary unless it becomes heavily soiled. A quick inspection after each shooting session is also advisable.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine is designed as a standalone unit and does not typically require additional accessories. However, it’s compatible with magazine pouches designed to carry standard rifle magazines, allowing for convenient storage and transport.
The magazine itself does not offer customization options, as it is a factory-designed component. There are no aftermarket floor plates or extensions available. Its primary purpose is to reliably feed ammunition into the Ruger 77/357.
Pros and Cons of Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine 5RD 357MAG – 357 Magnum Caliber, 5 Rounds, OEM Origin, 77/357 Model
Pros
- Guaranteed Reliability: Being a Ruger factory magazine, it’s specifically designed for the 77/357, ensuring reliable feeding and function.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality steel, the magazine can withstand regular use and resist wear and tear.
- Easy to Use: Simple design allows for easy loading and seating into the rifle.
- OEM Quality: Ensures perfect fit and function with the Ruger 77/357 platform.
- Consistent Performance: Provides consistent and reliable feeding of .357 Magnum rounds.
Cons
- Limited Capacity: The 5-round capacity might be a drawback for some users who prefer a higher round count.
- Price: Factory magazines are often more expensive compared to aftermarket options.
Who Should Buy Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine 5RD 357MAG – 357 Magnum Caliber, 5 Rounds, OEM Origin, 77/357 Model?
This magazine is perfect for Ruger 77/357 owners who prioritize reliability and factory-guaranteed performance. It’s also ideal for hunters or recreational shooters looking for a dependable spare magazine for their rifle. Anyone using their Ruger 77/357 for home defense would benefit from having extra magazines on hand.
Someone looking for high-capacity magazines or who are on a tight budget might want to explore other options (although none exist for the 77/357 in a higher capacity). Those who are satisfied with aftermarket magazines and haven’t experienced any issues might not see a need to upgrade to the factory magazine. A must-have accessory to complement the magazine is a quality magazine pouch for easy carry and storage.
Conclusion on Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine 5RD 357MAG – 357 Magnum Caliber, 5 Rounds, OEM Origin, 77/357 Model
The Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine 5RD 357MAG is a well-designed and reliable accessory that enhances the functionality of the Ruger 77/357 rifle. Its OEM quality and robust construction make it a worthwhile investment for any 77/357 owner.
The price is justified by the guaranteed reliability and peace of mind that comes with using a factory magazine. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to improve the performance of their Ruger 77/357 or simply wanting a dependable spare magazine. Don’t compromise on reliability – get the Ruger 90345 77/357 Magazine and ensure your rifle performs flawlessly every time.