Tell me about this M77 in 264 Winchester Magnum

[TWalker]

I saw a NIB M77 Mk II for sale today in .264 Winchester Magnum. It is stainless with the boat paddle black synthetic stock. It is marked 1 of 1,000 on the floorplate. The price is $500. What can you tell me about this model and its value? Thanks for any information.

 

[Don Lovel]

264 Winchester Magnum, for those days when you think that unsuspecting coyote at 500+yds needs some motivational inspiration.

I would think that any stainless M77 NIB would be worth $500 minimum. I cannot imagine very many being made in 264 Win Mag. It is not an easy cartridge to find in stores, but one heck of a long range performer with handloads utilizing those long profile 6.5mm projectiles. It takes some care in building loads because it is easy to run too much hot burning powder and barrel erosion was always a problem in the Winchester model 70 Westerners.

 

[picketpin]

Just like is says there were 1000 made. I'm not really fond of that boat paddle stock, exspecially in something that actually kicks. I bought one year ago in 7mm Mag and couldn't sell it fast enough.

That being said, 6.5s have a very very high Ballistic Coefficient and bullets fly flat for weight. The .264 is a handloaders proposition as there really aren't many decent factory loads available for it out here.

I have one of the MKI tang safety short run uncataloged rifles. It's actually a bit of overkill for deer but.........

If you reload and have a need for a flat shooting belted magnum it would be a good choice. At $500 you probably wouldn't lose money long term.

 

[TWalker]

Thanks for your replies. I bought the rifle today. It came with all papers, box, etc. It was made in 1999 and is a 50th Ruger Anniversary Model and a 1 of 1000 gun. I mounted a Leupold Vari-x III 3.5-10 power scope, bought a box of $37 140 grain ammo and am ready to sight it in tomorrow. I might hunt with it a little this Fall but mostly bought it just because it is a little "different". I'll post some pictures later.

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Another option would be to obtain a wood or laminated factory stock or an aftermarket synthetic stock to put it in. Or, you may be one of the (seemingly few) who like the "boatpaddle" stock.

 

[SteveRuger]

I am one who likes the "Boat Paddle Stock" for hunting! for looks & "Every Once In a While" shooting I like the Pretty wood Rifles in the Bolt Actions. But Honestly I love the Woods On the No.1's which has /is becoming my favorites. IMHO!

 

[6GUNSONLY]

Thas' what makes us trade horses, Steve. :wink: