M77 RLS ?Z

[cellar701]

Perhaps the experts can tell me which version of laminated stock - a "B" or a "D"? To me it looks like an RLS DZ, but I don't believe the RLS came with a desert camo stock - perhaps a kitchen table gunsmith job. I'll probably get a letter from Ruger just to satisfy my curiosity.

Rifle is absolutely pristine.

 

[chet15]

Maybe somebody can post some pics of a "DZ" stock.
I have noted at least two M77RLS-BZ in .30-06 in the 771-87079 to 771-93060 serial number range.
Chet15

 

[OldRugerMan]

There is a 7-08 on GB now with the same stock. I believe it is a DZ, as it isn't the first one I've seen. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=375449439

 

[cellar701]

Numrich has the "brown desert camo" stocks for sale:

https://www.gunpartscorp.com/ad/1153500.htm

which certainly looks like the stock on this rifle - that's why I made the reference to "kitchen table" gunsmithing job. It's the first RLS I've seen with a laminated stock, and it didn't have the box with it so Ruger records will have to tell me how it was put together at the factory.

 

[jmfc606]

I remember seeing a few back in the early to mid 90's in a local gun shop. They had them in 30/06 and .270. I know they did most of their business with Jerry's Sports Center which was either in Forest City or Olyphant PA at the time. So maybe a distributor special? I also remember the ones with the green laminate stocks too. Not saying yours isn't "kitchen table" but you never know.

 

[chet15]

I remember seeing a few back in the early to mid 90's in a local gun shop. They had them in 30/06 and .270. I know they did most of their business with Jerry's Sports Center which was either in Forest City or Olyphant PA at the time. So maybe a distributor special? I also remember the ones with the green laminate stocks too. Not saying yours isn't "kitchen table" but you never know.

I agree with you that the RLS models were probably distributor specials.
Same thing happened with the M77 Laminates in .338 Win Mag. with or without sights.
Chet15

 

[cellar701]

To all interested: I finally got a letter back from Ruger on this rifle. Unfortunately the comedy of errors in the "official" letters continues, as it is documented as "M77FLS-D2, caliber .03-06." I kid you not...

Now I believe this means it is an M77RLS-DZ caliber .30-06 so that should answer a few questions regarding this type of rifle and the laminated stock and model.

In the meantime I will request a "correct" letter from Ruger...

 

[chet15]

Looks like I should have looked at my notes on this subject a little sooner. Forgot that the BZ is a two-layer laminate and the DZ is a 3-layer laminate.
Chet15

 

[golferboy426]

I have a lettered RLS-DZ 771-86932 10/88 ship it's a 270

 

[chet15]

I have a lettered RLS-DZ 771-86932 10/88 ship it's a 270

That's still the only one I have noted.
Chet15