I think highly of the Ruger M-77. It' not as refined as some more expensive rifles, but for what you pay, it's a marvel of modern gunmaking.
I am a die-hard Mauser fan, but that's just my taste. I have nothing bad to say about Rugers as a rule. A few need a few "magic touches" now and then by a good gunsmith, but still overall, they are wonderful tools.
Truth be told, (and I will be accused of blasphemy for this) I like the Ruger #1 better than most of the old classic single shot breach loading rifles. Those that command such big money. I like them too, but if I were to choose one to live with, and use for the rest of my life, it would be a #1, hands down.
In single action revolvers again I prefer a Ruger to a Colt. Colts are fitted better from the factory and finished better, but they don't hold up like a Ruger. I am a pretty good gunsmith, and I can tune and finish up a Ruger Blackhawk so it's as nicely done as a Colt.
Now DA revolvers, I like old S&Ws the best. Colts and Rugers are nice too, and I have owned them and shot them a lot, but my hand just seems to fit the S&W best.
I build some very nice muzzleloaders, and I love high end guns of many kinds, but I have never been snobby about them. I like what I like, and price doesn't enter into the equation much.
Some, like fine doubles, are a pure joy to me, but price keeps me from owning one. Others like Rugers are quite inexpensive, but I prefer them over the more expensive guns for a number of reasons.

Again, just my particular bents.
"your mileage may vary"