Factory M77 or customized?

[Piranha451]

I came across this M77 in 7x57 on an auction site. The serial number, 78-16511, puts it as a 1984-85 mfg date. However, I am not sure the matte finish nor the laminated stock is factory or not. Could someone please let me know if this was a factory offering or not?

 

[gunzo]

The matte finished metal is unknown to me for a 77 of that era. And the bolt body, particularly the extractor was left in the white originally. A metal refinish for sure.

The ebony forend cap is iffy in my memory.

But, Ruger did offer those colors, or very close on some tang safety 77 laminates but thought it was a bit later than 84 or 5.

I'm gonna vote that the rifle has been redone. A doggone good looking rifle though.

 

[cellar701]

I don't have the RENE here to look your question up, but my factory version of that rifle (mine is 30-06) is a 771 prefix, and has the polished blue finish. When I bought this rifle the laminated stocks were available for purchase from Numrich so certainly possible to easily customize a rifle with that stock.

 

[gunzo]

Seeing another discrepancy here, I think. Notice the distance from the rear sight to forend tip of the 2 rifles.

When looking at the top rifle was thinking, with that short forearm, if the gun had a barrel band sling swivel it would be a great rendition or a Brit made African Stalking rifle. The chambering being just a slight adder.

Both, good looking rifles.