Ruger M77

The Ruger Model 77 Mark II features a controlled feed Mauser pattern action with a flat bottom receiver and an integral recoil lug, one piece bolt, full length Mauser type extractor, fixed ejector, steel hinged magazine floorplate, generous ejection port for fast loading from the top of the action, square bridge action with integral scope mount bases, and an innovative diagonal bedding screw. The M77 Mk. II action has occasionally been criticized for its pivoting (as opposed to fixed) ejector. The barrel is precision hammer forged. The bolt release is at the left rear of the receiver, and the three position (Model 70 type) safety is located at the right rear of the receiver.

The barreled action of M77R Standard and M77MSR Magnum rifles is finished in a polished blue. The bolt is left in the white for contrast on the "R" and blued on the "RSM." The walnut stock was designed in the "modern classic" style. It is supplied with a pistol grip cap, rubber butt pad, detachable sling swivel bases, and cut checkering.

Not so good is the replacement of the previous fully adjustable trigger with a cheaper lawyer inspired non-adjustable version.

The bolt raceways are not polished. They appear to have been left "as cast," so the bolt travel is not as smooth as it should be.

The following specifications for the M77R Mark II Standard rifle are taken from the 2006 Ruger catalog:

    * Capacity - 4 rounds (3 in magnum calibers)
    * Calibers - 22 cartridges ranging from .204 Ruger to .338 Win. Mag.
    * Metal finish - polished and blued
    * Stock - satin finished black walnut with rubber butt pad
    * Sights - none (supplied with Ruger scope rings)
    * Barrel length - 22" (most standard calibers), 24" (most magnum calibers)
    * Overall length - 42" to 44.5" (depending on barrel and action length)
    * Approximate weight - 7.25 to 8.25 pounds
    * MSRP - $695

The M77R Mark II is available in short (.308) and standard (.30-06) length actions. The M77RSM safari rifle comes with an extra long magnum action to accomodate the .338 Lapua, .375 H&H, .458 Lott, and .416 Rigby cartridges.

The M77RSM is stocked in fancy Circassian walnut, features a barrel band mounted front sling swivel base, and is suplied with a ramp front and folding leaf express rear sights. It weighs between 9.5 and 10.25 pounds, depending on caliber. The 2006 MSRP of this deluxe rifle, the top of the M77 line, is $1975.