Talked to a guy on the phone today, he is selling a M77 in .458 win. he said was made around 1985. he didn't know what controlled round feed was and didn't know if it was or not. Anybody know if there is a chance it might be? Also, what's the chance that they used a magnum length action on these (just hoping). He wants 500 bucks, not that I have it, but is that a good price for this? he said he has shot two boxes of ammo through it and it is in perfect condition with the box, he will throw in a couple of boxes of ammo with it. that's about 90 bucks plus worth of ammo right there.

Then again, I supposedly already have a .458 if it ever comes out of the shop. Just thought it might be good for another project if I could swing the money.

Red

Dago,

Ruger made their M77's in .458 mag so it is obviously of "Magnum" length albeit a medium magnum length. Ruger's design allows for a round to be dropped directly into the chamber and then the bolt closed. It doesn't require the round be fed directly from the magazine in order to chamber, so it isn't a true CRF weapon, but who cares? If your looking for a true CRF weapon, you'll have to keep looking.


Malm

Red,

If it was made in 1985, then it will have the tang safety and will not be a controlled round feed action. You might just ask him about safety location.

Ruger went to the three position (Model 70 like) safety when then introduced the controlled round feed.

If it's the tang mounted, it will be a standard magnum length (7mm Rem/, .300 Win., .458 etc), unsuitable for the .375 H&H length. In my opinion, (for what that's worth) $500 would be on the medium to high end, suitable for a shooter. If you just want the standard length magnum action for a project, most shops can get you a complete Ruger 77 rifle (stainless)for less than that. However, many people prefer the older tang mounted safety Rugers.

Oops. Mr. Malmborg posted the answer while I was typing.

Red,

I remember those M77 Mark I rifles well: the .458 Win came in two varieties. The more valuable one was the "RSC" configuration which had a Circassian walnut stock and steel bottom metal.

The other was marked RS IIRC, it had a plain jane stock and aluminum floorplate and trigger guard.

jim dodd

Thanks all. I am going to let it go. I thought maybe I was onto something I could really use. I don't have a use for a long action or one that isn't CRF. I have a couple laying around already for projects. I just thought maybe this was a magnum length (375h&h) that I might be able to do something with fairly easily.

For some reason I all of a sudden have a desire to have a .375 H&H. It's weird, I can't afford to hunt Africa, I don't need it for anything in particular, I just want one all of a sudden. A friend of mine had a Whitworth 375 that we use to shoot holes in tractor disks and stuff with. He has probably only shot it 10-20 times in the years he has owned it. He only bought it because it was the biggest rifle they had at the shop on that particular day and he decided he wanted a big rifle.

Thanks again for the replys.

Red

Your in the states so you will be able to get a cz .375 H7H for not much more than that Ruger in US$. I have a cz .375 H&H and it is an absolute joy to shoot.

Ruger made their changes gradually. Some of the later tang safety models began to use the CRF (their version of it) in the early 1980's. I had two tang safety RSI's with long extractors.


I know the tang safety .458's made in the '70s were push feeds, but the ones made in the 80's could be CRF. Just ask him to pull out the bolt and describe what it looks like.

[ 06-19-2003, 05:25: Message edited by: KurtC ]

If you havd decided to let it go would you please contact me. I am a sucker for the tang safety Ruger. I also have a Rem. 700 stainless in 375 if you are interested. Please let me know.
Thanks
Frank