Guys, my father picked up a used 416 for me at a gun show about a month or so ago (birthday gift). Luckily he doesn't think I'm too old for those!

Question is, I haven't seen another Ruger 77 Express rifle like this one in person, online, or in the books and I'm wondering if it was just something they quit making or what? It's very similar to my father's Lott which was purchased last year, except the barrel band on this gun is free (not soldered or sweated on) and rides in a recess in the stock just behind the ebony tip and then has a swivel screw that goes through the stock, into the band. The gun also has a metal block which hooks on to the barrel which is also bolted into the stock. I don't believe his newer 458 has this but it might.

Is this just an older version of the 77 Express, or is it a different model? Hell, I just remembered I have a picture. The mind goes early I tell'ya.

This is the older version. I believe it also has a heavier contour barrel. I am not sure when the changes were made to the new version. I am sure those more knowledgeable than I can fill in the blanks.

Hey I believe u have an early model 77.
I have the same in 375 h&h.
Shoot the h_ll out of it.
Just watch that front sling swivel stud.
HTH
don

Homebrew, you're absolutely right. I forgot to mention that. It has a heavier barrel than the 458 Lott that my father has.

Shooting the hell out of it is the plan!

As my father worded it "You shouldn't have to wait until you're 60 to have your first elephant rifle." <sniffle>

The gun is in excellent shape. It has a few nicks here and there in the stock but nothing major. Aside from one scratch the checkering is sharp. Metal finish is good except for one small spot on the barrel and some bluing wear on the crown. All in all, a hell of a deal for the $600 he paid. Thanks for the info gents.

Kingfisher,

Yep, that's the original. I've had mine (in .416 Rigby) since'95 and, like a Timex, it takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. Mine's headed back to Zim with me next April...we're after a bull elephant with big teeth and a bum leg. Let's hope we find him!

I was born and raised in Austin (we won't discuss how long ago!); can you still go broke in McBride's or has everybody run south to Cabela's?

Mark

Oh yeah. Old Joe (McBride) is still hanging tough in the same location. They actually expanded the store a couple years back. McBride's still brings lots of loyal customers. I still know guys that will ONLY buy guns from McBride's.

Good luck on your elephant hunt. My father took an elephant over there last Oct with his CZ 458 Lott.

For $600 your father didn't buy that gun - he stole it! Only wish I had found a bargain like that. I'm jealous. I paid almost double that for one in LNIB condition at an auction.

Yep thats the older gun..the newer gun has a lighter barrel, weighs less, has a better front sight bead (larger)and I am not sure how the 3rd recoil lug is situated in the new ones but hopefully they change that also and if not I would have a regular lug installed on the barrel, have the gun glass bedded and get a 3/32 ivory bead from Brownells, and pull the front swivel, replace it with a gold oval with my initials on it and install a barrel band swivel that won't rip my hand in half!

Al this change is not that expensive btw.