Ruger Model 77
Sturm, Ruger & Co. · Rifle · Discontinued · 1968
Also known as: Ruger M77, M77 Mark II
Overview
The Ruger Model 77 is a Mauser-influenced bolt-action sporting rifle introduced in 1968, designed by L. James Sullivan and Harry Sefried under Bill Ruger. It was one of the first new American commercial bolt actions to deliberately revive Mauser-style features at a time when push-feed economy actions dominated. Notable for an investment-cast receiver, Ruger's signature integral scope-mount bases, and Sullivan's angled front action screw that draws the barreled action down and rearward into the stock for consistent bedding. The 1991 M77 Mark II added true controlled-round feed and a three-position safety before the line was superseded by the Hawkeye in 2006.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3180 g (112.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 905 m/s (2969 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3715 J (2740 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 460 m (503 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .270 Winchester · primary — also known as .270 Win
- .30-06 Springfield — also known as .30-06, 7.62x63mm
- .308 Winchester · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Win, 7.62x51mm
- .22-250 Remington — also known as .22-250
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Internal Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Tang Safety
- Features: Integral Scope Mounts, Ruger Rings Included, Angled Front Action Screw, Investment Cast Receiver, Hinged Floorplate, Mauser Style Extractor
Variants
- Ruger M77 Mark II — Controlled Round Feed
- Ruger M77RL Ultra Light — Lightweight
- Ruger M77RSI International — Mannlicher
- Ruger M77 Mark II Target — Target
- Ruger M77 Mark II Magnum — Dangerous Game
Production
Estimated total produced: 1,000,000 · Production years: 1968-2006
Original M77 ran roughly 21 years and reportedly exceeded one million units; superseded by the M77 Hawkeye in 2006
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: L. James Sullivan
Discontinued: 2006
Notes
The original 1968 M77 had a Mauser-style claw extractor but functioned as push-feed with a plunger ejector and used a two-position tang safety. True controlled-round feed and the three-position safety arrived only with the 1991 M77 Mark II. Magnum (RSM) variants chambered dangerous-game rounds up to .416 Rigby and .458 Lott.
Background
The M77 was designed by Jim Sullivan, the same engineer behind the AR-15 and Stoner 63 military rifles, making it a rare crossover of military small-arms talent applied to a sporting bolt action.