The Ultimate Wilderness Companion: The Ruger 47117 Guide Gun in .338 Winchester Magnum

For those who venture into wild, untamed territories, where powerful predators roam and robust equipment is not just a preference but a necessity, the Ruger 47117 Guide Gun in .338 Winchester Magnum stands as a paramount choice. This exceptional bolt-action rifle is meticulously engineered to provide unparalleled reliability, formidable stopping power, and enduring durability in the most challenging environments on Earth. It is the definitive answer for professional guides, intrepid big game hunters, or anyone seeking ultimate protection when facing dangerous game.

Who Needs the Ruger 47117 Guide Gun?

This rifle is specifically designed for individuals whose lives or livelihoods depend on a firearm that can perform flawlessly under duress. Are you an Alaskan big game guide leading clients through bear country? Do you plan a solo expedition into remote wilderness where unexpected encounters with large, aggressive animals are a possibility? Perhaps you are a serious hunter pursuing formidable species like grizzly bears, Kodiak bears, moose, or the largest of elk. If your adventures take you far from civilization, demanding a rifle that shrugs off harsh weather and delivers immense power with absolute dependability, then the Ruger 47117 Guide Gun is built for you.

It addresses critical problems faced in the backcountry:

• The need for immediate, decisive stopping power against dangerous, thick-skinned animals.
• The requirement for a rifle that resists corrosion and maintains functionality in wet, cold, or humid conditions.
• The desire for a compact yet powerful firearm that is maneuverable in dense brush or confined spaces.
• The expectation of unyielding accuracy even after being subjected to the rigors of wilderness travel.

Why Choose the .338 Winchester Magnum Caliber?

The heart of the Ruger 47117 Guide Gun's formidable capabilities lies in its chambering for the .338 Winchester Magnum. Introduced in 1958, this cartridge quickly established itself as a premier North American big game and dangerous game round. When users ask, "What is the best caliber for bear defense?" or "Which cartridge offers superior power for moose hunting?", the .338 Win Mag consistently emerges as a top contender.

• Exceptional Energy Transfer: The .338 Win Mag propels heavy projectiles (typically 200 to 250 grains) at impressive velocities, delivering significant kinetic energy upon impact. This translates to devastating knockdown power and deep penetration, crucial for reaching vital organs on large, heavily muscled animals.
• Versatility for Large Game: While renowned for its bear-stopping prowess, the .338 Win Mag is also an outstanding choice for elk, moose, and even some African plains game. Its flat trajectory over practical hunting distances combined with its immense power makes it suitable for a wide range of large animal hunting scenarios.
• Proven Track Record: Decades of successful hunts and professional use in dangerous game environments have solidified the .338 Win Mag's reputation as a reliable and effective cartridge when stakes are high.

In-Depth Look at the Ruger 47117 Guide Gun's Design and Features

Every aspect of the Ruger 47117 Guide Gun is engineered for maximum performance and durability in extreme conditions.

1. Robust M77 Hawkeye Action:
   • Built upon the legendary Ruger M77 Hawkeye bolt-action, known for its ruggedness and reliability.
   • Features a non-rotating, Mauser-type controlled round feed extractor. This design ensures positive feeding and extraction under any conditions, preventing common feeding issues that can occur with push-feed actions, especially during rapid follow-up shots.
   • A powerful ejector provides consistent spent casing removal.
   • The integral scope mounts, machined directly into the solid-steel receiver, provide a stable and durable mounting surface for scope rings (Ruger-style rings are typically included or readily available), ensuring optic retention even under heavy recoil or impact.
2. Compact 20-inch Matte Stainless Steel Barrel:
   • Maneuverability: The shorter 20-inch barrel significantly enhances the rifle's handling characteristics. In thick brush, dense forests, or while navigating tight spaces, a compact rifle is invaluable for quick target acquisition and follow-up shots. This design makes it ideal for questions like, "What is a good compact rifle for backcountry hunting?"
   • Corrosion Resistance: The matte stainless steel construction provides superior resistance to corrosion and the elements. This is paramount for a "guide gun" that will be exposed to rain, snow, humidity, and saltwater spray. It eliminates concerns about rust and degradation, ensuring the rifle remains operational regardless of the weather.
   • Accuracy: While shorter, the cold hammer-forged barrel maintains exceptional accuracy, a hallmark of Ruger rifles. The lack of a barrel band or other stress points helps maintain barrel harmonics for consistent shot placement.
   • Muzzle Threading: Often, guide guns are threaded at the muzzle (e.g., 5/8"-24) to accept a muzzle brake or suppressor, further reducing felt recoil or sound signature, though specifics should always be verified for the particular model year.
3. Durable Green Mountain Laminate Stock:
   • Weather Stability: Unlike traditional wood stocks, a laminate stock is constructed from multiple layers of wood impregnated with resin and compressed, making it exceptionally stable and resistant to warping, swelling, or cracking due to changes in temperature and humidity. This is a critical feature for a rifle intended for diverse climates.
   • Ergonomics: The stock is typically designed with practical ergonomics for quick handling and comfortable shooting. Its robust construction can withstand the inevitable bumps and scrapes of wilderness use.
   • Aesthetic Appeal: Beyond function, the Green Mountain laminate offers a distinctive and appealing look.
4. Excellent Sighting System:
   • The Ruger Guide Gun often features adjustable ghost ring rear sights and a protected blade front sight. This robust open sight system is ideal for fast, close-range engagements and provides a reliable backup if optics fail or are removed.
   • The rifle's integral scope mounts allow for easy attachment of optical sights, offering versatility for longer shots or low-light conditions. This answers the question, "Can I put a scope on the Ruger 47117?" – Absolutely, and with great stability.
5. Effective Recoil Management:
   • Given the powerful .338 Win Mag cartridge, managing recoil is essential for comfortable shooting and quick follow-up shots. The Ruger Guide Gun typically incorporates a soft rubber recoil pad that significantly absorbs felt recoil, making even extended shooting sessions more manageable.
   • The rifle's overall weight (approximately 8 lbs) also contributes to recoil absorption.
6. Optimized Magazine Capacity:
   • With a 3+1 capacity (three rounds in the internal box magazine, one in the chamber), the Ruger 47117 provides ample firepower for dangerous game encounters without adding unnecessary bulk or complexity. This capacity is standard and widely accepted for guide guns.

Performance in the Field: What to Expect

When you carry the Ruger 47117 Guide Gun, you're carrying a firearm optimized for performance under pressure.

• Reliability Under Stress: The M77 Hawkeye action's controlled feed mechanism ensures that a cartridge is always guided into the chamber, even if the rifle is held upside down or at an awkward angle. This is paramount when a charge is imminent and there's no time for malfunctions.
• Quick Target Acquisition: The compact barrel and excellent balance allow for swift shouldering and pointing, critical for fast-moving targets or surprise encounters.
• Weather Immunity: Whether it's driving rain, heavy snow, or humid coastal fog, the stainless steel and laminate construction means you can trust your rifle to function without corrosion concerns.
• Sub-MOA Accuracy Potential: While a "guide gun" is often prioritized for reliability and ruggedness, Ruger's cold hammer-forged barrels are capable of impressive accuracy, often achieving sub-MOA groups with quality ammunition, allowing for precise shot placement on large game.

Common Questions About the Ruger 47117 Guide Gun

• Is the Ruger Guide Gun too powerful for me? The .338 Win Mag is a potent cartridge. While the rifle's design helps mitigate recoil, proper shooting technique and potentially a muzzle brake (if threaded) or lighter loads for practice are recommended. It's a rifle for serious hunters, not necessarily a beginner's first choice.
• How durable is the Green Mountain laminate stock compared to synthetic? Laminate offers excellent rigidity and stability, often surpassing synthetic stocks in resistance to flex, which can aid accuracy. While slightly heavier than some pure synthetics, its aesthetic and weather resistance are major advantages.
• What kind of maintenance does a stainless steel rifle need? While highly corrosion-resistant, stainless steel still requires cleaning and lubrication, especially after exposure to moisture or corrosive elements. However, it's far more forgiving than blued carbon steel.
• Can this rifle be used for hunting deer or smaller game? While capable, the .338 Win Mag is considerable overkill for deer-sized animals and would cause excessive meat damage. It is explicitly designed for large, tough-skinned game where its power is warranted.
• What makes a "Guide Gun" different from other hunting rifles? A "Guide Gun" is typically characterized by a shorter barrel for maneuverability, robust and weather-resistant construction, powerful chambering for dangerous game, and reliable open sights in addition to optic readiness. Its design prioritizes quick, dependable performance in adverse conditions.

Your Source for the Ruger 47117 Guide Gun

When you are ready to invest in a firearm that offers uncompromising performance for your most demanding adventures, the Ruger 47117 Guide Gun in .338 Winchester Magnum is an outstanding choice. This rifle represents a significant commitment to safety and success in the wilderness. You can find this exceptional firearm available at DEGuns.com, a trusted retailer known for their selection and service for serious outdoor enthusiasts and hunters. Equip yourself with the confidence that comes from carrying one of the most reliable and powerful guide guns on the market.

Ruger 47117 Guide Gun Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model Number	47117
Caliber	.338 Winchester Magnum
Barrel Length	20 inches
Stock Material	Green Mountain Laminate
Finish	Matte Stainless
Action Type	Bolt-Action
Capacity	3+1 Rounds
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
UPC	736676471171