No dog in this fight, but thought I would pass it on. I was on the Ruger Forum and there was a poster by the name of Rigbyshooter stating he had bought a new RSM in 416 Rigby. He said the bolt cracked after 60rds. He is going on an African hunt soon. He sent the gun to Ruger and they originally said they would try to have it back to him the day before he left on the hunt. After a few phone calls I think they promised him they would try and have it back one week before the hunt. Anyway, just thought I would throw this out. I have had several 77's, including a very early 416, and never had a problem. I gather this was a fairly new gun. I know there have been some complaints about Ruger's quality lately. Anyway, for those of you who own one, might be a good idea to check it carefully...I don't want to hear about anyone getting injured.
Just search rugerforum.com and go under the rifles and carbines section...you should find the complete story.

I would take this with a grain of salt until Rigbyshooter posts a picture of this crack and gives some details.

Not picking on him or Ruger, but this should underscore why it is important to thoroughly test out and break in your gear well in advance of a major trip/hunt. I've seen many failures in boots, packs, rifles and such where they were purchased new and/or little used just prior to a major hunt.

GaryVA

I guess this would indicate the need for a backup DG rifle. "But honey, I need this gun, because my other one might break right before my trip".

Absolutely this is a legitimate reason to buy another gun. No normal wife would want her husband's trip ruined by a malfunctioning firearm. In reality, I wouldn't even go to Wyoming or Canada hunting without a spare rifle and scope, wouldn't plan Africa without one. You do need a backup DG rifle. And scope. If you need help email me and I'll be glad to explain this to any concerned spouses.

There is no way I would leave for Africa after having the rifle back in my hands for a day or so. I know there are many Ruger fans amongst us, but aside from their single action revolvers and shotguns, I am not too keen on them. I have experienced quite a bit of inconsistency.

Like just about everything made today, sometimes you get a bad one. My M70, that I had my .404jeffery made, had a minor but serious problem w/ the bolt handle after about 150rds. The bolt handle is press fit collar to a knorled portion on the shaft of the bolt. It stripped some of the knurlinh & the bolt handle owuld over rotate, locking the bolt up. Yikes! A trip to the gunsmith & some silver solder solved it permanently, but a real potential problem. I would want at least 200rds thru any rifle that I was going to take after DG.

A Ruger 77 with a bolt cracking means someone
made a bad one at factory. Ie screwed up on
the heat treating probably.I sure they will
make it good. I fired a 180k load through mine
that is chambered for my 458 HE, by accident, and it held. Still using it. Ed