What do you guys think about a late seventies Ruger M77 RS tang safety in 458 win. Is it basicly the same action as the new one? Quality of older vs newer Ruger. etc... Experience with the tang safety models?

Very good condition and price is right.

Thanks

Elmo

elmo,

It is different in design, but I've heard quite a few people proclaim the older tang safety 458 as the best Ruger ever made.

Gary

I have one in 458 WM and is a semi-pushfeed, which makes it a semi-CRF. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the older Ruger since it is a solid rifle to play around with. The chamber is just a bit generous but it helps with higher bracket loads w/o the pressure signs of a tight chamber. With the Ruger, it's definitely a good solid push instead of a hit. Most are surprised that it didn't rattle them when they shoot it. Only thing I did is glass it and have the mickeymouse rear sight replaced with an NECG one as I will never carry a tiny, itty-bitty screwdriver with me to adjust the rear sight.

Below is my response to your post in the Gunsmithing section ref the same subject:

I've got the same M77 in .458 Win... mine left the factory in March 1980.

I've found my M77 to be an excellent shooter and 110% reliable. It feeds and functions perfectly and the action on the older Rugers seems to be smoother than the newer ones. This .458 is slick as butter. I also like the standard length action on the early M77's. It's also got a nice finish and wood on it.

As for the tang safety... I like the tang safety alot, it's very quick and natural to get into action.

I think the only negatives you'll hear about it is that it's a push-feed v CRF, so depends on whether that's a big factor to you and what you intend to use it for. They can probably be converted to CRF by a good 'smith and then I'd say you'll have a fantastic rifle. Personally I wouldn't hesitate to use it on anything that walks, it's the most reliable and slickest bolt gun I've ever owned in fact.

With Re7 handloads mine chrono's 500gr Hornady RN Interbonds at 2125 fps with no problem.

God Bless the great Elmer Keith!


475guy,

What NECG sight did you use? How is it mounted (did you have a 'smith do it)? That is the one other point I would say I'd like to change is the darned fold-down Lyman sight... It does NOT belong on a heavy rifle like this.

458

I had the Express sight with island, part # R- 204 installed by a smith and sighted for me. You have to file down the sight for sight regulation. Mine is a V-site and is sighted for 100 yds. In fact, you can see a pic of the sight on their site.

Thanks 475...

I like the old Rugers better and dearly love the tang safety. However, a lot of them will drop the safety actuating link(my terminology) if restocked with a little too much room in the grip inletting. It is a good idea to peen the ends to keep it in place.

Hi Elmo:

I have a 458 Winmag Ruger with the tang safety and love it. It kicks less than my 416 and way less than my Lott.

Mine likes Remington 450 grain Swift Aframes factory fodder, one holer at 50 yards open sights. Iuse it as one of my backup rifles when hunting the big boys.


What price is on this rifle if you don't mind me asking?


Regards.. Jim P.

PA,

I've noticed the same thing with mine, the recoil is actually quite modest even with 500's at 2125fps. A good push, but not abusive or jarring. I can shoot it off the bench no problem. Mine is all factory original except for a good Pachmyer recoil pad has been added, otherwise it's unaltered.