He also utilized a relatively plain walnut stock. Sullivan insisted on using investment casting for both, while the standard for the time was to mill each from solid bar stock steel. First and foremost are the receiver and bolt construction. There are several features that not only distinguish the M77 but were also ground break in terms of firearms design. Ruger was also responsible for features such as the hinged floorplate, flanged left side bolt sleeve and tang safety – although the latter would be replaced in future designs.ĭespite the similarities, the M77 is not a redesigned or improved Mauser. Twin forward locking lugs and 90-degree bolt lift are two such influences but there is no doubt the original M77 resembles a distant cousin of the ‘98.
Ruger was reportedly a big fan of the Mauser 98 which became the foundation on which the M77 was designed. He was brought on by Ruger specifically to help develop bolt action big game rifle capable of competing with Winchester’s Model 70 and Remington’s Model 700.Īlthough Sullivan is credited with designing the M77, it was not without Bill Ruger’s influence. Sullivan had previously worked at Armalite where he played a pivotal part in bringing the M16 into production. In 1965 when Jim Sullivan joined the Ruger team. But everyone was looking for something different and Strum, Ruger & Company soon joined the arms race. Keep in mind, there were still an abundance of surplus Mausers, Carcanos and Arisakas for bargain basement prices and lever action models remained the most popular big game design. Winchester’s redesigned Model 70 remained a contender and the Savage 110 was building its own loyal following. Remington’s Model 700 dominated the market. The 1960’s were a pivotal decade in many ways including firearms, especially American made big game rifles.
Magnum and -30-06n Springfield.ġ982: M77RL is introduces and includes Mannlicher type stockġ989: Mark II, the first major revision of the M77, is introducedĢ006: Ruger introduces the Hawkeye, the second update to the M77 designĢ011: Ruger and Gunsite Training Center collaborate on the Gunsite Scout Rifle, the second special purpose design based on the M77Ģ013: Canadian SAR technicians adopt the. So how is it that over 50 years later the M77 has become one of the most iconic American bolt-action rifles? M77 Timelineġ964: Jim Sullivan, formally of Armalite, joins Ruger for the purpose of developing a new bolt action big game rifle to compete with the Winchester Model 70 and Remington Model 700ġ969: M77 Varmint, or M77V, is introducedġ970: M77 Magnum is introduced and includes a slightly longer action and calibers such as. When Strum, Ruger & Company first introduced the Ruger M77 it was initially met with less than enthusiastic fanfare, at least among firearms experts.