Ruger Rifles & Carbines: a Long Gun Legacy

Page Three

Ruger's integral scope mounts serve as an example of how his designs work together. They are not only good looking, with fewer screws, the system makes for very quick scope interchangeability. I've been shooting a lot of different Ruger rifles during the past several years, and many times I've removed a scope from one Ruger rifle and replaced it on another rifle quickly; for a given rifle action length it requires turning only two large cross-screws in the rings.

Ruger scope rings come in three different heights. Unlike with most rifles, you get a set of steel rings with each rifle. If you have a collection of loose Ruger scope mount rings for the Model 77, do not try to match them for height. Rings of a pair are two different heights. Make sure that you mount the highest ring of a pair in the rear. Otherwise you will have your scope in a serious bind.

The few complaints I've heard about the Ruger Model 77 since its introduction center around two things, the aluminum floorplate (instead of a steel one) on standard rifles and the lack of an adjustable trigger on standard rifles.

The use of aluminum for a floorplate instead of steel is partially a monetary and partially a practical consideration. Aluminum is lighter and wholly serviceable for the purpose of a floorplate. The finish on the floorplate is such that an unknowing shooter might not know the difference. On the other hand, the paint can be scratched off the aluminum alloy and the bright silver metal underneath makes the scratch very noticeable. The fact is that the Model 77 Mark II Ruger offers more quality for the money than practically any firearm and a price performance choice had to be made. Aluminum alloy is lighter and costs less. If you want a steel floorplate, you can get it on the deluxe rifles. The deluxe Express rifle also weighs more. Regarding the trigger, I think that the number one priority in the Model 77 Mark II is safety first and foremost. Since the trigger is nonadjustable, an unknowing shooter cannot make it unsafe by adjustment. The pull required for the average Ruger trigger is reasonable. Even with the safety disengaged it takes a deliberate act to make a Model 77 Mark II fire. If you want a light-pulling trigger for a Model 77 Mark II, you can get very good aftermarket triggers from firms like Timney. Then you shoulder the responsibility for a light-pulling trigger in a sporter. Ruger is not oblivious to the fact that a fine trigger is desirable for precision shooting. You can get a good two-stage target trigger in the target version of the Model 77 Mark II. All in all, I would not complain about this situation, particularly since it is so easily and inexpensively rectified with a replacement trigger if desired.

The standard rifle looks good. The stocks are walnut with a tasteful cut-checkering pattern and a pleasant satin finish on the wood. There is no plastic-looking high gloss here. The grip cap is a nice-looking oval with the Ruger logo. The butt is fitted with a highly practical rubber plate. The rubber prevents the rifle from slipping when it’s leaned in a corner. The standard rifle also comes with QD-type sling swivel studs. The synthetic rifle is different; it has Ruger-designed loops for a carry strap. The steel on the standard rifle is finished to a high gloss and blued. The bolt body and handle are stainless steel and finished bright without coloring. The barreled action is well-fitted into the stock without unsightly wood-to-metal gaps. In all, the standard Ruger Model 77 Mark II is a handsome rifle—you won’t find a production gun that is better looking. It is also lightweight, well balanced, and shoots well.

Besides the standard Model 77 Mark IIs, you have a choice of steels, finishes, and stocks. Aside from the standard walnut stock, you can get either a full-length stock that runs to the muzzle or you can get an ultralight one. You can also get a laminated stock or a synthetic stock. The synthetic stock is not the usual shell with low-density foam interior. It is a solid polymer material that is practically indestructible.

Besides the blued-steel barreled action, you can get Model 77 Mark IIs in stainless steel. You can get a left-handed model, and you can get one with or without sights. You have a choice of calibers for everything from prairie dogs to pachyderms. There are variations to satisfy practically any shooter.

Some years back rumors were started and repeated, as rumors are, that Ruger barrels were poor. The rumor was that they were second-party barrels and bought so cheaply that they couldn't possibly be any good.

Like with all production rifles, I've had some Rugers that shot very well and some of them that shot poorly. I do know that Ruger began hammer forging its own barrels a few years back, and recently I’ve had the opportunity to view the interiors of a good many of them with a bore scope.

I can say from personal experience that the interior finish on the current hammer-forged Ruger barrels compares favorably with any other factory barrels. Again, no one seems to have a total handle on accuracy when it comes to rifle barrels. Some barrels simply shoot very well and some do not. I do not think that you can tell from examining a barrel’s dimensions, finish, or even straightness whether it will shoot well. I will say that when everything is right, a Ruger Model 77 Mark II rifle will group as well as practically anyone can shoot it.

Besides a healthy respect for the machinery of a Model 77 Mark II rifle resulting from my exhaustive experimentation with the mechanics of the firearm, I like the rifle. I like the way it handles, functions, and performs. Let me put it this way: During the last three years I’ve shot the highest scoring (Boone & Crockett) Rocky Mountain elk of my life, the largest pronghorn antelope, the largest mule deer, and the largest blacktail deer, and all of them were taken with Ruger Model 77 Mark II rifles.

Page One - 50 Years, .44 Mag carbine, 10/22, Mini-14, No. 1, No. 3, Model 96, Model 77 Variants, Auto Carbines
Page Two - Model 77 - History & Design
Page Three - Model 77 Mark II - Scope Mounts, Trigger, Grades, Current & All-Time Chamberings

This article was originally published in Shooting Times magazine in March, 1999.

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