Went to buy a Taurus .357 snubby for concealed carry but they didn't have one. They had a SP101. Surprised at how small it was (compared to what I had heard), I bought it. Was very impressed and, since I was shooting IDPA at the time, I followed with a GP-100 and later with a Single Six to save money (right.....) during target practice.
Sooo, when I went to buy a rifle, I had a favorable impression of Rugers. I wanted a controlled round feed and a 300 Winchester. I also like stainless steel. One day I saw a used Mk II all weather online for $599 including a $200+ scope and I went for it. Cost me 50 extra dollars for a 3.25 lb trigger job. I've just started shooting this gun prolifically as, after hunting bow, .22 rifle, handgun, and shotgun, a big rifle is the last thing for me to master. I'm now consistently shooting (well) less than 1" groups from the bench and will be moving on to distance shooting from more realistic positions. Recently improved with a leather sling from the shopruger site (5 stars by the way).
On top of everything, this gun serves as a symbol of where I want to live someday now moving out of the military and starting grad school----out West.