slickrock22
Bearcat
I recently inherited a Ruger M77 chambered in .243 Winchester and wanted to learn more about it. The rifle has been in my family since new. My late uncle (my father's sister's husband) purchased it originally. It sat unused in my aunt's closet for many years after he passed. She eventually asked my father if he wanted it, and he put it away in his own closet and never used it.
About a year ago, my dad asked me if I'd like it. I had never owned a rifle and had always wanted one, so I said yes. The next time I visited, I put it in a hard case and flew it home.
The serial number is 1771 — no prefix — which I understand puts it in the very first production run of M77s, possibly even late '67/early '68. It's a tang-safety model with what looks like the original red recoil pad, and it still has a Redfield 3x-9x scope mounted (not sure if that's original to the purchase). Condition-wise, I'd call it an 8.5/10 — honest handling marks but no major damage. Bluing is still nice.
I've only taken it to the range once, and we had a hard time getting the scope perfectly zeroed. That said, I'm curious:
Thanks in advance!
Ryan
About a year ago, my dad asked me if I'd like it. I had never owned a rifle and had always wanted one, so I said yes. The next time I visited, I put it in a hard case and flew it home.
The serial number is 1771 — no prefix — which I understand puts it in the very first production run of M77s, possibly even late '67/early '68. It's a tang-safety model with what looks like the original red recoil pad, and it still has a Redfield 3x-9x scope mounted (not sure if that's original to the purchase). Condition-wise, I'd call it an 8.5/10 — honest handling marks but no major damage. Bluing is still nice.
I've only taken it to the range once, and we had a hard time getting the scope perfectly zeroed. That said, I'm curious:
- What's the significance of a serial this low?
- Would this likely have a Douglas barrel?
- Are there pros/cons to this rifle compared to later M77s?
- Given the family history, is it something you'd keep and use, or more of a collector's safe queen?
Thanks in advance!
Ryan
.. I would put a value of $1200 + based on what I see them selling at auctions 
