Because, back in 1978, the classic, understated look of the M77 just appealed to me in every way.
Deciding to skip physics class in college one afternoon, I drove to Edelman's, a huge supermarket of firearms, looking to buy my first new deer rifle. Among the glossy Weatherby's and Sako's, sat a row of M77's. They just had the no-nonsense 'look' of a serious hunting rifle, and I took home a 77R in .270 cal.
Although I sold it when I got married 2 years later, it has remained my sentimental favorite. I've owned several rifles since, including MK II's and Hawkeyes, but always pined for my long-lost tang-safety model.
Well, last week I stopped in to my local gun shop, and there in the 'used' rack, was a tang-safety 77 in 7mm RM, in true safe queen condition. I ran home, looked up the s/n, and found that it was made in 1978!!! I called the shop, asked them to put it aside for me, and brought her home the next day. I haven't been this thrilled about a firearm purchase (or ANY purchase) since, well ... 1978!
This one isn't going to slip through my grasp EVER.
Jeff