Rufnek100
Bearcat
In 1981, I received a M77 .243 Win for my 10th birthday from my father. I recall at the time being told to hold on to it, as it had a low serial number (1XXX) and that made it more valuable - I've had it my whole life and have taken many a whitetail with it. As I grew up I moved more into larger game and have drifted towards the magnums so it's been 15+ years since I've pulled the Ruger out. But I had a recent offer to get back to some good ol' deer hunting and decided to pull it out of the safe again.
So curiosity got the better of me and a little internet digging tells me from the serial number that it was actually produced in 1968 - interesting, since the rifle didn't make it into my possession until 1981 and I had always (incorrectly) assumed my father purchased it new.
Not being a collector / trader but more of an enthusiast and hunter, I was hoping to get some honest feedback from y'all that are "in the know". It's been well used but well taken care of - no rust or dings beyond some minor stock scuffs here and there.
Is this rifle particularly rare or valuable? I'm not asking because I want to part with it - my father has since passed and it's got too much sentimental value, but I've always wondered about that "low serial number" story.
Many thanks!
So curiosity got the better of me and a little internet digging tells me from the serial number that it was actually produced in 1968 - interesting, since the rifle didn't make it into my possession until 1981 and I had always (incorrectly) assumed my father purchased it new.
Not being a collector / trader but more of an enthusiast and hunter, I was hoping to get some honest feedback from y'all that are "in the know". It's been well used but well taken care of - no rust or dings beyond some minor stock scuffs here and there.
Is this rifle particularly rare or valuable? I'm not asking because I want to part with it - my father has since passed and it's got too much sentimental value, but I've always wondered about that "low serial number" story.
Many thanks!