Ruger M77ST M-77-ST Pre Warning Round Top .257 Roberts Bolt Rifle, MFD 1972
SOLD FOR: $1282.57
LSB#: 210611DL11
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: M77
Serial Number: 70-59166
Year of Manufacture: 1972 (Ruger Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .257 Roberts (.257 Bob)
Action Type: Internal Magazine-Fed Bolt-Action Rifle
Markings: The stop of the barrel is marked “STURM, RUGER & CO. INC., SOUTHPORT, CONN U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “.257 ROBERTS” and a Ruger proof mark. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “70-59166”, and “RUGER M77®”. The bolt is serial matching, and hand-scribed “59166”. The rubber buttpad and grip cap are marked with the company’s phoenix logo.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights/Optics: This rifle features express sights. The front sight is a beard blade fixed to a ramped banded base that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip-up u-notch with white triangle reference adjustable for elevation on a base that is screwed into the barrel. The receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for mounting an optic (not included).
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a one-piece wood with checkered pistol grip and forend, fluted straight comb, and orange rubber Ruger buttpad. There are sling studs on the belly of the buttstock and forend. There is light handling wear, and scattered light nicks, most notable on the left side of the forend. The checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP is 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad shows minor wear with a few spots of light discoloration. Overall, the stock rates in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The action has light operational wear and the barrel has a more notable nick through the finish on the right side near the marking. The screws show light tool marks and strong slots, and all markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork and Accessories: This M77 includes the following:
—a product-matching Ruger factory cardboard box
—an original Ruger warranty card
Our Assessment: The Ruger M77 is a robust Bolt-Action rifle designed in 1968 by L. James Sullivan during his short three-years of work with Ruger. Intended to be a modernized Mauser 98, and featured simplified ejector updates and a newly designed safety system. This rifle dates back to 1972, long before the first major M77 re-tooling in 1991, and retains that classic Ruger look. In Fine condition, this rifle is free of any notable wear or damage, and even includes the original box—this firearm is certainly a strong addition to any modern firearm collection. It is chambered in .257 Roberts (or Bob, if you’re feeling friendly) so it makes a great rifle for those still on the hunt for varmints and those who want to graduate to larger game. It is also a nice find for the Ruger collectors, not just because of its high condition, but also because it is the “round-top” model, not cut for Ruger rings, and was also made before Ruger started placing a warning marking on all of their guns. Good luck and happy bidding!