I just saw this thread and had to add my two bits. The Model 777 was indeed made by Nikko in 1979/80. It was a contract from Edward Kettner to Winchester to produce a rifle to be known as the Mistral Model 7000. Winchester subcontracted to Nikko and decided to have about 1000 built for themselves to be marked as the Model 777. They were to be sold mostly in Europe and Australia. Some of them were sold to the rod and gun clubs for sales to American service members. They are an attractive rifle and have nicely figured stocks, decent sights, and roll engraving with the Winchester Model 777 marking. Most (~1000 made) were in .308, .270, and .30-06 but some were in .300 Win. Magnum and 7MMRem Magnum. They are very similar to the Nikko Golden Eagle.
This is a synopsis of what a Winchester Gmb. representative told me, as best as I remember, when he delivered some to the rod and gun club in which I worked. Officially, three were imported into the USA. Unofficially, I sold around 20-25 to GIs just through our store. The last two available, Winchester Gmb. re-imported from England for my store on a special order. I actually ordered four but they could only find two. The customer service by Winchester Gmb. was great and they treated all of the rod and gun clubs the same. Good people over there and they could not have been more hospitable.

I'm not cheap, I'm frugal.
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