Ruger M77 International RSI .243 Win Bolt Action Rifle Mannlicher MFD 1985
SOLD FOR: $960
WOA#: WY230427ES007
Make: Ruger
Model: M77 International RSI
Serial Number: 78-40121
Year of Manufacture: 1984-1985
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Bolt Action
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “78-40121 RUGER M77”. The left side of the barrel is marked “.243 WIN.”. The top of the barrel is marked “BEFORE USING GUN-READ WARNINGS IN INSTRUCTION MANUAL AVAILABLE FREE FROM / STURM, RUGER & CO. INC., SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked with a PR proof.
Barrel Length: 18.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade screwed to an elevated ramp fixed to the barrel via a barrel band. The rear sight is a folding invertible u/square notch sight with elevation adjustment and white diamond aiming reference. The top of the receiver is milled for Ruger Scope Rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a checkered wood Mannlicher stock with checkered capped semi-pistol grip, checkered forend, sling swivel bar and stud, forend nose cap, and Ruger buttpad. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the rubber buttpad. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is crisp and the peaks sharp with only some light handling wear. There is a small nick on the right side of the buttstock and a few hard to notice compressions on the belly. The bottom of the stock under the sling bar has a few marks that have rubbed away the finish and the right edge of the forend at the barre has a notable compression. Overall the stock rates in Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Internal magazine 5+1 with Hinged Floorplate.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some fouling on the lands and a small bit of corrosion at the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows very little operation wear. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are clean. The markings are clear. There is a small scuff on the right side of the nosecap. There are no other notable imperfections in the finish. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This early Ruger M77 RSI International, chambered in the versatile .243 Winchester and dating from the mid-1980s, stands as a testament to Ruger’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. This model, with its distinctive full-length Mannlicher-style stock, is not only visually striking but also offers superior handling and balance. This characteristic, coupled with the .243 Winchester caliber, makes the rifle an ideal choice for hunters seeking a firearm that combines aesthetic appeal with practical performance. The caliber itself is renowned for its flat trajectory and manageable recoil, making it highly effective for medium-sized game and appealing to a broad spectrum of shooters.
Originating from a period when Ruger was cementing its legacy in the firearms industry, the M77 RSI International is noteworthy for its use of a robust Mauser-type bolt action and a solid, one-piece bolt construction, enhancing its reliability and durability. This rifle’s production era in the 1980s not only marks it as a piece of Ruger’s storied history but also adds to its collectible value, particularly for enthusiasts drawn to the unique blend of traditional styling and modern engineering that defines this period. The attention to detail in its construction and the historical significance of its era make the Ruger M77 RSI International a compelling piece for collectors and hunters alike, embodying a fusion of beauty, history, and utility that is rare in the modern firearms market. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.