M77 MK II varmint/target "target grey" SS or blue?

[dave2091]

Ran across a 308 MK II varmint/target. Stock looks to be green laminate (vs. med. brown) and metal looks to be matte blue? What's the story with these? Were these blued steel or perhaps a darker "target grey" SS?

Thanks.

 

[rugerjunkie]

From what I know the first models had blued recievers and stainless barrels. Not many of them made in the beginning. The target grey came next and remained for years.

The matte stainless is on the newer target models now and I never paid much attention to wether or not they are also done in matte blue. But that would be my guess. Or at least some were done in matte blue when the 77 hawkeye rifles went to the new finishes. Maybe a check of the serial number with Rugers site to get an idea when it was made can give some insight to that.

 

[collectormzornes]

If I am thinking correctly they are the LE models only released in 223 and 308 I have a 223 mine also come with 30mm scope rings but changed them out. This is not a real good picture will try and get a better one later.

 

[rugerjunkie]

Good catch. I forgot all about the VLE models.

 

[dave2091]

Yup, that's it. So blued steel, or stainless with a finish?

Thanks Guys!