Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Need help with Ruger M77

Never had Ruger before; just received Ruger Hawkeye in 270 win. Disassembled the rifle and after having it reassembled again, the bottom metal hinge release in the triggerguard appears to be stuck "in". The hinge wont open, neither the release would dislodge... I hope Ruger owners can give me word of advise. Beautiful rifle other wise, strikingly similar to my favorite bolt action system!

Did you have this problem before you took the gun apart? If not it may be that your mag box isn't installed correctly? The box could be binding against the bottom metal.

No biggie.

Take the bottom metal out again and re-install it, checking for fit/function of the floorplate as you go. You might have to push the guard back a bit as you tighten it and the forward part towards the front as well. The middle screw should just be slightly snug.

Mine did the same thing not long ago. Took a little fiddling, but I got it back. M70s can do the same thing.

Loosen both the front lug screw and the rear trigger guard screw and slide the trigger guard piece slightly to the rear until you have enough space for the floor plate to release. Typically I make sure the floor plate can be released prior ro tightening up the trigger guard screw until just snug.

We were typing at the same time...yup what pappy says.

Yep. Pretty common with Ruger 77s and more prevalent in wood stocks IME (maybe because I've messed with wood more). Probably got the middle screw too tight and/or the box in a bind.

They told you true. Loosen both trigger guard screws (should open now) tighten the rear screw firmly and the front just enough to keep it in place . You should be good to go. That, by the way, is how you want to leave it as that is where you will get the best accuracy. In addition, tighten the lug screw farmer tight (the front of the three screws).

I really like the Hawkeyes as well. For those of us who like traditional-style actions, but want a new rifle (and stainless), they're hard to beat. Mine is a Predator, with a 2-stage trigger, and it's a peach. Pretty good for less than $800 with rings.

BTW, if you're mounting a smaller scope, you may want to swap the rings for low ones (a 3 and a 4). Ruger will do it for free, if your rings are unused. It took about a month for my 77/22 rings, as they were out of stock. If you don't want to wait, Amazon sells them. You can just buy a 3, use it in the front, and use the 4 you have in the rear.

Enjoy.

You may have to use a brass punch and a light hammer tap to get the latch back far enough to get the floorplate open so you can do what has been suggested above.

That doesn't look like a factory original Ruger stock to me. Could that be part of the problem?

Not a factory trigger either. With a "fixed" stock. I'd be looking for internal binding on that one between the stock, the trigger, and the fixes with the brass screws.