More 77/22 - The 22 Hornet

[OldRugerMan]

To continue my post on the Ruger 77/22 I would like to show another - apparently RARE variation of the downsized M77. Production of the 77/22 was well into 10 years when the 22 Hornet was introduced in 1994. The first two prototypes were numbered in the regular 77/22 range 701-66724 and 701-66727 as well as between 550 and 800 other rifles (Reference of Ruger Firearms). Then, also in 1994, the prefix 720- was given to the 22 Hornet rifles. This should be a highly sought after segment of 77/22 collecting. We're talking less than 800 guns in the 701- prefix. But, that isn't what I want to show you today. Even RARER than the 701- prefix guns is a little known variation in the front sight base on the 77/22RSH. The rifle shown here is serial number 720-34862 produced in 1996 according to the charts on the Ruger website. There are thought to be only a few hundred of these made between 720-30xxx and 720-40484 as noted in the Reference of Ruger Firearms. My own personal observation has been that I've seen more of this sight base than I've seen of the non 77/22 roll marked rifles discussed in my previous post. That is very un- scientific but I feel that if a person goes to as many gun shows as they can looking for certain guns that the law of averages will show you something about production quantities. I have only seen a hand full of each variety. I think the 77/22 presents a real challenge to the budding Ruger collector trying to decide what Ruger to focus on!

"Normal" rollmark

Made in 1996

Scaled down front sight ramp

Looks like sculpture - Note the purple hue

Slightly different than M77RS

Side by Side - 22 Hornet and M77RS 350

All Hornets have the black pad

and the "Warning"

A very nice rifle!

 

[kentdep]

Thanks for posting that. I had a 77/.22 Hornet at one tme but for some reason I traded it off for a Browning 1885 .22 Hornet. My rifle didn't have the nice sights as the one above. I really like those sculpted sights. They look classy when compared to the ones on the 10/22.

Cool post.

Jay

 

[ruger66]

I have a prototype barrel for a 10/22 with that front sight in 17HMR. It came out of the Harry Sefried estate. Its a real oddball. I don't know of any other 17HMR Ruger barrels with sights.
Vaughn

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

The purchase price was a steal............. 8)

 

[salem103]

Randy...one more time...is this a stainless bolt knob or not?
and..Is this rifle factory original?

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=213527946

and if so where does this fit in your "rare" equation?

 

[OldRugerMan]

Hey Salem - The gun on GB is not mine. It appears to have a stainless bolt, handle and knob. The scaled down ramp front sight is what makes this a rare rifle.

 

[DavidMc116]

I love that front ramp. Wouldn't it be awesome on a No. 3!!!