Ruger M77 with iron sights

brutforc

brutforc

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I have a Ruger M77 Mk1 338wm with iron sights. I wanted at one time to add the same models with iron sights in 300wm and 30-06. I have seen 30-06 guns with iron sights for sale but not 300wm guns. I'm guessing they were made, but very few, as any calibers with iron sights.

Did Ruger discontinue iron sight guns when they made Mk2 guns? Tell me about Mk1 guns with iron sights. BTW my 338wm is not for sale..
 
I bought a Ruger M77 MkII in the stainless steel canoe paddle version, 30-06 cal. without sights. I ordered sights from Ruger, and had the barrel drilled and tapped to add them. It was quite simple and straight forward.
 
Had a nice round top RS M77 7mag for a few days, beautiful rifles.

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When I bought my tang safety M77 in 7x57 back in the early '70's, it wasn't offered with iron sights, although there was a Ruger brochure that showed some M77's with iron sights.
An iron-sighted version always struck me as more classic.

Eventually that itch got scratched with a Brno ZG-47 carbine and a Brno 600, both in 7x57. Both are fitted with iron sights and have an "old world" hunting rifle appearance.

Lipsey's also followed that approach with their Ruger Hawkeye African models, as well as with their Ruger Hawkeye "International" carbine (something that Ruger should have made in 7x57 a long time ago AFAIC).
 
The RS models were made in all iterations of the M77... including the round top, tang safety, Mark II and Hawkeye. In the case of the Mark II and Hawkeye versions, there were both blued and stainless versions made. Due to the cost and the fact that most people scope bolt action rifles far fewer RS rifles were made compared to the Standard "R" rifles... but they were made and are still being made, ie; International, Alaskan, African and Guide models... they can also, of course, be had on the used market... I have had many of the RS models over the years... mostly for the look, rather than for any practical purpose of using back-up sights, as I have NEVER had a scope crap out on me during a hunt. It could happen, but is not terribly likely. I find it comical how many people buy RS rifles citing the utility of having back-up sights and then scope the rifle and never bother to check the iron sights... this is akin to not zeroing your scope, foolishness... and proof that the real purpose is esthetics rather than utility.

The two RS rifles pictured are in 7X64 and .358.
 

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I stand guilty as described by hoytcanon - I hunted deer for about 20 years with a Ruger No.1 in 7x57 - it had iron sights - I had tried several scopes and various straight and offset ring combinations on it - but I do not even once remember firing it, even at a target, with the iron sights. I have removed the iron sights from both the Model 70 Winchesters that we use for hunting - a 308 Win and a 338 Win Mag - as per above - never once had a scope die on a hunting trip. Particularily for the 338 Win Mag - I used the Leupold Dual Dovetail mounts for the scope - simply not going to get them off without tools, in the field, to use the iron sights, anyways.
 
I have several Brno and CZ rifles that scratch the iron sights "itch", and in the case of my CZ 527 x39 and Henry 45-70 Carbine, they are exclusively used without the need for scopes. There is however no doubt about a classic beauty with iron sights, whether needed or not.
 
sights are good but quick detack rings from llc alaska can save a lot of money even with 2 sets and 2 scopes if they re not fitted from factory. i do like the sights coming from the short barrel alaska yukon version ...
 
I am very nostalgic for the 77 tang safety in 7x57 as my pops filled an ark with his. One day I’ll find the right one and snap it up.
 
I have a Ruger Alaskan 375 Ruger with the open sights. I actually zeroed using 3 different weights of bullets. These sights work very well for me as long as I keep the distance at 75 yards or less.
Although the rifle is scoped, I was just too curious at how well I could shoot with the open sights. Now I am fairly confident that IF my scope craps out I can still salvage the hunt..........although I ALWAYS HAVE 1 OR 2 BACKUP RIFLES WITH ME.
 
Use them or not, some classic blued and walnut rifles just plain look better with sights. The factory Ruger sights are very nice.

I have a couple or three here with sights that will never be used without a scope.
 
Slimbo said:
I am very nostalgic for the 77 tang safety in 7x57 as my pops filled an ark with his. One day I’ll find the right one and snap it up.
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You missed this 1991 new in original box 7x57 "R" that I bought off EE a few months ago :). It was a real score...
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Were the actions "plum colored" when new or did that happen over time while stored. I have had bolt handles turn plum before but assumed it was acid/oil off peoples fingers. I guess not.
 
Just time. I really like the plum hue. In some lights it's black, others it's plum. I had this occur on a few of my Brno 21 bolt shrouds too. In the case of my 1950 Brnos, it was due to high nickel content in the steel.
 
So the nickel content thing - is that also why the front ring on several Leupold M8 scopes that I have, are a distinct "purple" in certain light? The scope bodies seem gloss black - possibly adonized - with the very front ring maybe a different metal??
 
It's hard to say. Hi nickel steel will plum over time. Sometimes heat treating (and heat colouring) can create this colour. Yes, the investment cast process utilizes silicone which can also cauae the plum effect.
 
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