77/17HM2 Question

[mohavesam]

Ran into an impulse purchase recently and wonder if it is a ghost or common-for-model?
It is a 77/17 HM2 (Mach 2) in Target Grey, laminated stock and medium-weight barrel, no sights. It is stock in the box, but I cannot say unfired.

- So how many of these rifles were made, or even how many 77/17 in HM2 total? :?: :?: :?:

Yes, I was able to buy a brick and then some of ammo, so there is some fun coming pending the answer here?

 

[steelshooterco]

Never heard of that model in that caliber, is it possibly a rebarrel?

Do you have a picture and serial number to share? Do you have the Ruger Model number (did it come in a box with a label from factory on end with model number?)

Think this may be a pretty rare gun or even a prototype if all factory!

Please share!!!!

Thanks!

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Very scarce model,,$500.00 - $600.00 for shooters,,$650.00 - $750.00 - $850.00 NIB.

 

[9x19]

Ruger briefly made both the .17s in the target grey model with gray laminate stocks.

The HM2 ammo situation is the down-side... quickly going the way of the 5mm Remington.

 

[WMB30]

The HM2 is a squirrel killing machine around these parts. Plenty of ammo available.

Bill

 

[Covejeepsxj]

Sounds like an awesome gun.

I have been looking for one on and off for some time now.

 

[mohavesam]

So how many of these rifles were made, or even how many 77/17 in HM2 total? :?: :?: :?:

I have a rough estimate of 40-52 such guns being shipped. This is a guess from "inside the walls"...

 

[hittman]

Maybe shoot a PM to Chet15 for the RENE guru's official word.

 

[Ruger45]

So how many of these rifles were made, or even how many 77/17 in HM2 total? :?: :?: :?:

I have a rough estimate of 40-52 such guns being shipped. This is a guess from "inside the walls"...

I can't answer your question but it sounds like I have it's twin in 22 mag and you could shoot fleas off a cat ass at a hundred yards with the damn thing. :wink: :wink:

 

[donw]

if you purchased it, you may also be able to purchase a new barrel in 22lr to replace the HM2...check with Ruger if that's possible.

 

[tomno.1]

Model numbers:

The Target Grey/laminated stock: Model number 07030; Catalog number K77/17VM2BBZ

The Blued/walnut: Model number 07031; Catalog number 77/17RM2

You don't see them too often. They were made 2004 - 2005. The laminated, heavy barrel model brings a little more money than the slim sporter.

Serial numbers of the ones I've seen range from 703-12723 to 703-39669. The Mach2 serial numbers are included in the 77/22 and 77/17 numbers. Like with all other models, Ruger doesn't give out production numbers.

 

[mohavesam]

Yes this is a 703-194xx s/n - model 07030 on the box.
(As to "production numbers", I asked the forum not the factory) To date, I haven't received anything to counter the 40-50 figures above.
With CCI ammo I got just 1 1/2" on a 50-yard indoor range (10 rounds) - par for what I've learned so far.

 

[chet15]

So how many of these rifles were made, or even how many 77/17 in HM2 total? :?: :?: :?:

I have a rough estimate of 40-52 such guns being shipped. This is a guess from "inside the walls"...

Nah....there were a bunch of them around at the time in the 77/17. They've just all been put away as shooters....(if they can find the ammo)
The rare Ruger in .17M2 was the stainless Single-Six Hunter convertible with maybe 200 of those made.

But although they may seem scarce now, I would bet there were somewhere between 750 and 1,500 of each. They were a hot item at the time.

Here's the known serial number ranges for the two 77/17 rifles in M2 that were made...
703-36822 to 703-72039 (known 77/17RM2 s/n range)
703-07720 to 703-39872 (known K77/17VM2BBZ s/n range)
Chet15

 

[mohavesam]

Thanks chet, the only guesses I get are from the local folks...

 

[Uncle Howie]

Ruger briefly made both the .17s in the target grey model with gray laminate stocks.

The HM2 ammo situation is the down-side... quickly going the way of the 5mm Remington.

That's been some folks' theory for years. While it's definitely scarce, it becomes available from time to time.

When we keep predicting "no ammo," it scares folks away from that caliber... which limits future demand, which limits fresh runs of ammo.

The .17HM2 is a great (the best?) round out there for small edibles- tree squirrels, rabbits, etc. I think we should continue to promote it as such, and hold the manufacturer's feet to the fire for fresh ammo runs. As .22LR production seems to be catching up, maybe we'll see more .17HM2 soon.

For those looking for ammo, try to backorder from one of the various large internet/mail order suppliers. When they get a shipment, you can begin to build a stock of ammo. I've got a lifetime supply of squirrel rounds, stored very carefully.

Sometimes we're our own worst enemy... :roll:

 

[mohavesam]

I bought two bricks at the same shop. There is no shortage in my travels.

I suspect that if the local WM or big box store doesn't have it at eye level, some people think it is not available?