Howdy all,

Local shop has one in about 95% condition, magna-ported and an aftermarket pad for 400 bucks. Looks like a decent thumper for the bux.

I have one and really like it. The fact that it has been altered detracts rather than adds to its value. $400.00 is reasonable.

See if they will allow you to remove the barreled action from the stock so you can check the bedding and look for cracks in the wood.

$400 isn't bad, but weren't the old M77s push-feeds?

George

The old models were push feeds and also the floorplate release is on the inside of the trigger guard so on heavy kickers, if you finger goes forward then you lose all of your ammo.

NH_Hunter

I have one and absolutely love it. Also, even though it is not CRF, it will feed from any angle so long as you do not try and make if malfunction by working the bolt too slowly. Work it normal speed and it feeds upside down and every other way. It was a bear getting this rifle to shoot lead bullets but it has always been a true MOA performer with jacketed bullets or solids from 300 to 500 gr. For lead, I have to use a .460 sized 525 gr. LBT WLNGC bullet and keep the velocity below 1600 fps. At 1700 and above the bullets tumble, and every lead bullet I have tried except this one tumbled no matter how fast or slow I pushed them, sized them, or seated them.

Be glad it is Mag-Na-Ported also. I got tired of mine jumping up about 8-12 inches off the rest when I shot it and had it MNPed. Now it just lays there on the rest without jumping. Recoil is the same, but the jump is gone. Also, MNPing did not reduce the velocity one FPS and it does not increase the muzzle blast near as much as braking does. For that price, if in as good a shape as you think, I would jump on it like a duck on a June-bug.



I have never had mine release the contents of the magazine. While the release is on the inside, it is very stiff to push (at least mine is) and with thousands of rounds through it, it has never malfunctioned.

$400 for an older Ruger 77 in 458 is a very good price. Just pick it up without a second thought. I bought a used one for $50 more a few years back and haven't regretted it. As you know, the cartridge has its limitations and if you work within the limitations, it will be a good thumper. The newer loads with a 450 gr bullet and RE 7 just makes it sing. Remember to sit upright when benchresting the rifle when you do sit at the bench.

Hey guys, thanks for the replies. I also noticed that it has a steel floorplate and trigger guard. I know first hand that the other model 77's came with aluminum ones. Did this model come with steel or is this aftermarket also?

Bigbore, it's at least 95%. This mallard will probably jump. Thanks. Gary

I've got a 1980 vintage M77 in .458 that I recently picked up and love it. It's got a beautifully polished blue and it's fit and finish are perhaps the best of any rifle I own. I'm very impressed with it. It's got the original iron sights and no scope. It's a blast to shoot and a tack-driver out to 150 yards.



I've also had no trouble with the magazine release inside the trigger guard under recoil. As mentioned above it's very stiff and never been an issue. The tang safety I like alot too in fact - fast to get into action and more natural to use in that position. I wouldn't hesitate to use this rifle with the proper loads for anything that walks. For 90% of your hunting or plinking here in NA you can download it a bit and still have a fine deer, elk, moose, bear rifle. IMO recoil isn't half as bad as many complain. Off the bench it's not much fun, but once you're sights are dialed-in you should be practicing in field positions anyway.



GO for it!



Bigbore,



My Ruger #1 in .458 hates cast bullets just as you described. With jacketed bullets it's fine. I haven't bothered to try cast in this M77 though. All jacketed is what I've used in the bolt gun. Gave up on cast for the time being at least... The Rem 405gr JSP is a great plinking bullet in my .458's and it's CHEAP yet from all reports I've heard it's a good performer at medium velocities on deer/elk, etc. I will be taking this M77 out for deer this fall with the Rem 405 at about 1900fps.



PS: Yes mine's also got the steel trigger guard and floorplate.

Well, I saved 400 bucks today, dammit. Some other duck got the junebug. I hope it kicks the snot out of him.