Ruger Model 77

[Dantforth]

I purchased this rifle new in the late 60's. It has a tang safety and is in 300 Win Mag. It shoots very well at 100 yards with a 3-9X Bushnell Scopechief. My question is this....I have been advised by an acquaintance that the earlier M-77's are more desireable than later ones and that some of these early ones used "Pope" barrels as Ruger wasn't making his own then. Fact or myth?
Secondly I am thinking of a foray into bench rest shooting....should I spend any time or energy on this rifle...new scope, etc.....or should I just move on and go to something else?
Thanks, Dave

 

[tiriaq]

Until relatively recently, Ruger outsourced barrels, and some of the earlier ones were reported to be superior. Won't be a Pope though, Harry died quite some time ago. Whether an early 77 is worth a premium, I can't say. While this is a fine hunting rifle, a .300 mag. sporter is probably not going to be a satisfying benchrest rifle. There are serious BR shooters on the forum, who can advise about BR far better than I can, but at the very least, for recreational, non-competitive rest shooting, you might want to consider at least a heavy barrel varmint type rifle. Or, have a look at ontariorifleassociation.org, and consider the possibility of Factory F Class shooting.

 

[NAA]

Ruger 77 'Tangsafety' Models

Great rifles those older 'tangsafety' models. I had one in .300 Win Mag too once. Printed three shot clover-leaf groups. Don't know if they're worth a 'premium' though. Picked mine up used for $450 & got all my money back out when I traded up to a Browning a couple years later.

 

[dan belisle]

I just like them because the safety is in the "right" place. Still have one in 338 and one in 257. The barrels were outsourced as mentioned, some were great, some were crap. Unless the thing is new in the box, it won't be worth anymore to the average guy, and is simply another (albeit a nicely designed) hunting rifle. - dan

 

[dusty61]

I just like the older ones as they had nicer wood and an adjustable trigger. The newer ones have a good enough trigger but it takes abit more know how to get them tuned up.

Garnet

 

[Dantforth]

I had a look at the Ontario Rifle Association site as recommended. This was a good idea. I believe I will go ahead an put a target scope on it and put together some handloads on go.......it shoots really well as it is so I have some hopes for limited success. If nothing else I think it will be a good starting place.

 

[Alex]

Here's mine. I would'nt trade it for anything else. But as tiriaq said; you wont get much use out of that sporter Bbl. Mine's in the shop. It is being free floated I can't wait to see the results.