Any idea whats the lowest configuration of rings available to fit M77?
Id like something notably lower than what you see HERE.

Try some Leupold Ring Mounts. I used them on my M77 and they put the scope objective very close to the barrel. They were easy to set up and work very well.

Woodjack I'm not sure why they have such high rings in that picture but my Ruger rifles came with way lower rings than that. I think I've seen in the Brownell's catolog a selection of Ruger and other brand name rings to fit ruger bases you may give them a look.

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Originally posted by Woodjack:
Any idea whats the lowest configuration of rings available to fit M77?
Id like something notably lower than what you see HERE.

Factory supplied medium rings on the Hawkeye African will place the scope line of sight exactly 1.5 inches above the bore. I personally prefer the factory lows for my low power scopes when it comes the factory stock profile and getting a great cheek weld. But, having the scope center mounted 1.5" above bore center is not bad for me and allows the scope tube to be used as a handle. I cannot grasp the scope tube w/ the low ringmounts and find it additonally restricts my access to the loading port.

I'll add that the Ruger design is very effective. The scope appears high w/ the medium ringmounts but it is actually only slightly higher than the line of sight of the factory irons. Notice the height of the rear sight blade in the pic. Compare this to my M70fwt and the Ruger actually has the scope mounted lower and closer to the fixed sights but gives you more room in the area of the loading port.

GVA

Using the scope for a handle??!!

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But, having the scope center mounted 1.5" above bore center is not bad for me and allows the scope tube to be used as a handle.

I know to each his own but to me that expensive aluminum tube is not a handle I would consider using.

It makes for an absolutely excellent handle when I must grasp my rifle w/ one hand while negotiating tough obsticles, fording water, etc. It's actually easier to get a firm one handed grasp around the scope tube then it is to get a solid grasp on the same rifle w/ the scope removed.

If you balk at that then I guess I shouldn't let you know that I've used my rifle as an emergency brace more than once when fording a fast moving mountain stream.

GVA

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If you balk at that then I guess I shouldn't let you know that I've used my rifle as an emergency brace more than once when fording a fast moving mountain stream.

I wouldn't balk. Matter of fact I have done the same thing as well as keeping my footing on a steep mtn side.

I just choose not to use the scope as a handle. Like you I'm sure there are many (heck maybe the majority)that do.

Sure not trying to say it is right or wrong or that I have seen or heard of it causing damage I just choose not too.

I think the rings in the picture are high because there are iron sights on the rifle barrel, and a lower scope height would put the rear iron sight in the scope's FOV.
You can send the medium rings that come with a Ruger 77 back to Ruger for a swap for low rings.

I use my scope tube as a handle all the time..

Don