Found a 90%+ clean Ruger 77 270 in a local pawn shop and I have some questions about it. It is not a 77R model like I used to buy in the late 60's and early 70's but has a round top receiver that is drilled and tapped for after market scope mounts, appears to be a push feed with the bolt face having a spring loaded ejector button like a remmy 700 and has factory iron sights - front sight on a barrel band and rear sight on a diamond shaped base, that line up nicely. The dealer is asking $400, but has been worked a little on prices in the past.
Can anybody give me some insight on this older Ruger? Value? Collectability? Will make a nice shooter for someone, and better looking than the rough truck gun pig shooter I was looking for. Thanks
Ron

But is it a "flat bolt"? The earliest M77's had a rather angular, almost dogleg bolt that collectors refer to as "flatbolts". They'll bring a premium, provided they are original and in good condition. However, the long action came out some time after the short action as I recall, so there would be a very limited number of long actions flatbolts. The model you describe is one that was introduced right around the change from the "flatbolt" to a more conventionally contoured bolt.

Rugers of that era had barrels from various outsource manufacturers. The barrels were of different contours and weights according to the supplier, and were of variable quality, according to the owners.

If it's a flatbolt, it could have some extra value. If it's not, then it could be either a "shooter" or a "trader", depending on what kind of barrel it has. One problem with M77's is the aluminum triggerguard-floorplate which the finish wears off of easily.

Stonecreek, do you know where I could get a better idea of what you are calling a "flatbolt".
I'll have took at it again to be sure but the bolt handles arm appears to have a squished "S" shaped curve instead of the straight swept back arm of my M70 Classic, and maybe what could be called a smooth non stippeled flattened raisin or oval shaped bolt knob...certainly not perfectly round like my Tikka WTHUnter or my M70, or even the abbreviated bottom or egg shape of a remmy 700 bolt knob. I'll look again in a few days when I'm back in town. Thanks for the insight.
Ron

Ruger made these 'roundtops' in the early seventies. I managed to pick up a 257 Roberts in 1972. They were made to provide an alternative to the fine, Ruger integral mounts. They were made in the second model of the 77. The first model was the flat bolt, initially in 308 and 6 mm. The second models have a more rounded bolt, with a series of improvements and variations, including the roundtop. When I was in the gun trade, they did not have any higher value than other tang safety Rugers. Collectors usually wanted them in new or as new w/box, other wise they were just used guns. Of course, value is set by two people who really want an object. You mihgt check gunbroker for current prices.