I have a "whats the value" question on a rifle. This is an older Ruger M77 Ultralight .270, with the tang safety. The rifle in question belongs to a hunting friend of mine and I've shot it very well on a couple of occasions and I've really taken a shine to it. He has offered to sell it to me and suggests that I make an offer on it, and I want to make sure I offer a fair price. I don't see too many of these Ruger ultralights in .270 (with the tang safety) come across the auction boards, and I have no faith in the Blue Book giving realistic examples of worth. Consequently, I am not sure of what amount to offer.

This rifle is in very good condition with only a couple of minor dings/scratches to the wood, and there is a little bit of blue wear to the right side of the receiver near the ejection area (bad description, I know) where some water damage occured. But it's really very minor. You have to look hard to see the water damage and the dings to the wood. Other than the water damage, the blue is excellent.
The bore is excellent and the rifle is topped with a Leupold 3.9 compact. The scope isn't new, but I don't think it's too old. The scope is immaculate.

Any ideas of what kind of an offer I should make? This person is a friend and I want to make sure he gets a decent price.

Thanks,
Cliff

Rifle, $350
Scope, $150-$200

A few years ago I bought my wife a Ruger ultralight in .257 Roberts. It included a Charles Daly 3-9X40 scope, a nice leather carry strap, and 40 rounds of factory ammo. I paid $400 and felt like I did well. With the better scope on this rifle, I think an offer in the neighborhood of $500 is fair. If you really love it, go to $550. Anything beyond that is gravy to the seller in my opinion.

I'm in with whats been said. I think up around $300 -$350 for the rifle, scope depending on model could push the price a bit. If the scope is an older VariX II I'd offer $400-$450, and if its newer then $500-$550 is pretty fair for both. If you're good friends it should be a bit of a wash. Nate

Thanks guys - I appreciate your help.
Cliff