Need a little more information. A picture could be helpful. I'm not an expert, but have been a fan of the shorter barrel Rugers.
Ruger made the 77 tang safety models with shorter barrels called the RL and RLS (sights). These had either 20 inch barrels for the RL (no sights) and 18.5 for the RLS. They also made an RSI which had a mannlicher stock and sights. The RL and RLS both had a thinner stock and a black forend tip. The RL had a pencil thin barrel. In 270, the RL is not common, but not rare. The RLS is much harder to find in 270. Ruger made a few other shorter barreled rifles in special runs, but I don't know what calibers. The only one's I have actually seen were in 358 and had a 20.5 inch barrel, but a somewhat slimmer stock but no black forend tip. I've been told that Jerry's had a special run of 358's made for Grices like that.
As far as value. condition makes a big difference. As new in the box with papers will get good money. You will see nice RL's in 06 and 270 on Gunbroker and Guns International with a decent scope for $525. If it's beat up, worn, or has a shortened barrel, then, the price drops like a rock. In some localities, prices are higher and lower depending.
They make great hunting rifles. Don Lewis, a popular Pennsylvania gun writer of the bygone, believed them 'to be the finest whitetail rifle ever made.'
I tend to agree.
Bfly