Ruger M77 .338 Win Mag 24″ Bolt Action Hunting Rifle & Zeiss Scope 1973 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: LSB260430PF005
Make: Sturm Ruger & Co.
Model: M77
Serial Number: 70-74589
Year of Manufacture: 1973 / C&R Eligible
Caliber: .338 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked with Ruger’s Southport address. The left side of the barrel is marked “338 WIN. MAG.”. 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 Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10×44 scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows light handling wear. Overall, the scope rates in Fine to Excellent condition. The scope is mounted directly to the receiver by 1″ Ruger rings. This scope comes with Zeiss scope covers.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece checkered walnut stock, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, brown rubber Decelerator buttpad, a checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows light to moderate wear, with scratches, dings, scuffs, and compressions throughout. The stock’s finish is largely intact. The checkering is mostly well defined, with a few dings landing in the checkering on the forend and wrist. 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 fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 88% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light to moderate wear, with scattered scratches, dings, and scuffs throughout all of the metal surfaces. There is light thinning of the finish at the muzzle and on the bolt handle/knob, along with light operational wear on the bolt and friction surfaces of the action. The finish is largely intact, otherwise. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but all retain serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the 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, and scope covers as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: Ruger’s M77 is a classic American bolt-action sporting rifle, known for its rugged construction, integral scope mounting system, tang-mounted safety, and dependable field performance. This 1973 C&R-eligible example is chambered in .338 Winchester Magnum, a powerful big-game cartridge well suited for elk, moose, bear, and other large game where penetration and retained energy are important. This rifle features a 24″ barrel with Ruger’s Southport address marking, blued finish, internal magazine with hinged floorplate, checkered walnut stock, and a Zeiss Conquest 3.5-10×44 scope with clear glass mounted in Ruger rings. The early M77 production, C&R status, medium bore magnum chambering, and quality Zeiss optic should appeal to Ruger collectors and hunters looking for a capable classic big-game rifle.
This rifle rates in Good overall condition, retaining about 88% of its original blued finish. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, no erosion, and some fouling present, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut stock rates in Good condition, showing light to moderate scratches, dings, scuffs, and compressions, with a largely intact finish, mostly well-defined checkering, tight fit, and no chips or cracks. The metal shows light to moderate wear with scattered scratches, dings, and scuffs, thinning at the muzzle and bolt handle/knob, and operational wear on the bolt and action friction surfaces, though the finish remains largely intact overall. The Zeiss scope rates in Fine to Excellent condition and includes scope covers, the markings are clear and legible, the screw heads are tooled but serviceable, and the action and safety function correctly. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.