Custom Ruger M77 .220 Swift 24″ Bolt Action Rifle & Redfield Scope MFD 1988
SOLD FOR $1,125.00
LSB#: LSB251014RR022
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: M77 (09720)
Serial Number: 771-55905
Year of Manufacture: 1988
Caliber: .220 Swift
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s 2-line warning & Southport address. The left side of the barrel is marked “.220 SWIFT”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, and “RUGER M77”.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Redfield 8x scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light wear, with some scattered scratches and dings throughout the scope’s finish. Overall, the scope rates in Good condition. The scope is mounted directly to the receiver by 1″ Ruger rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered stock, with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, black rubber buttpad, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock appears to have been a project, with sanding marks at the tip of the forend, and on the top of the wrist, along with a painted finish. The checkering remains well defined. The stock fits tightly to the barreled action, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stock rates in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some light fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling and storage wear, and one ding on the floorplate. The bluing is deep and dark throughout. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the 3-position safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Ruger M77 has long been a dependable platform for custom and semi-custom varmint rifles, and chambered here in the high-velocity .220 Swift, this 1988 example represents the kind of flat-shooting, precision-oriented setup that made the Swift famous. Since its introduction in 1935, the .220 Swift has been synonymous with blistering speed, superb long-range performance, and exceptional small-game accuracy. Paired with a clean 24-inch barrel and Ruger’s strong, controlled-feed action, this rifle remains well suited for prairie dogs, predators, and precision bench work.
Metal condition is excellent, with roughly 98 percent of the original bluing intact and only minor handling marks. The bore is bright, sharp, and erosion-free; an important advantage in a cartridge known for throat wear in harder-used rifles. The Redfield fixed 8x scope, mounted in Ruger rings, is a classic pairing for a Swift, offering a crisp duplex reticle and enough magnification for practical varmint distances. While the optic shows modest cosmetic wear, it remains entirely serviceable.
The stock appears to have been a refinishing project, with visible sanding marks and a painted exterior. Despite the cosmetic inconsistency, the stock is tight, solid, and free of structural cracks, with checkering that remains sharply defined. Its altered finish does not affect function, but a future owner may wish to fully refinish or replace it to complement the otherwise high condition of the rifle.
Mechanically, the rifle is sound. The action cycles smoothly, the 3-position safety works correctly, and the trigger feels clean and consistent. Taken as a whole, this Ruger M77 offers a strong shooting platform in one of the most iconic varmint cartridges ever produced. With its excellent bore, solid mechanics, and classic Swift performance, it remains a highly capable long-range predator and varmint rifle. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – J.D.
