How to ID correct M77 stock

[bcp]

I bought a M77 30-06 round top, round bolt, with sights, #77-630XX,about 1982 production, I think, which had a Ram-Line stock on it. What features would identify the correct vintage Ruger stock for it?

I think this would be the period with the wide forend top flats.

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[3DTESTIFY]

According to Ronnie Burke's book on the M77, The #77 prefix rifles had gone back to the more slender style forend and grip of the early M77's. The wider forend wood of the previous 7 years or so of production, started from the #71 prefix in 1975 thru prefix's #73 #74 & #75 up to 1981 or so. My 1978 vintage .243 has generously wide forend wood.

 

[bcp]

Thanks,

I didn't realize they changed that early--thought it was mid 80's.

They brings up another question. How do you tell the difference between the early slim-forend stocks and the late ones?

Thanks,

Bruce

 

[3DTESTIFY]

Yes, that's the hard part. The early flatbolt stocks have a slightly different bolt handle cut-out profile. In addition, they had a hand rubbed oil finish (G.B.Linspeed) the first 2 years of production before switching over to polyurethane. Non prefix & very early #70 prefix SA stocks also had a high/straight wood profile below the ejection port, compared to the common cut down profile we all know. Also, very early recoil pads had a rounded edge and were marked "Pad by Mershon". Later pads were square edged in red color, then they transitioned into a darker red-brown colored pad in the #73 or #74 prefix up through the #77 prefix.
Other than some subtle differences, they are very close in shape & profile.