[quote=TATELAW]
Also, I know the early boat paddle stocks came with green inserts. Did Ruger ever produce any other factory models with different inserts? The one I just got has wood inserts. I figure they are aftermarket, but thought I would ask to be sure.
Yes they did. Green (early), Black (standard), and Wood, (noted as DLX or W).
If your 270 is factory it would be a model.... KM77RLPDLX MK II, or KM77RLPW MK II. BUT, as you can see in the Model ID, those models were not made.
BUT, never say never with Ruger. The only way to truly know the model ID is to request a letter from Ruger. Supply them with your KM77 serial number, pay a $10 fee, and receive a factory letter.
https://ruger.com/pdf/letterOfAuthenticity.pdfAs to how many model production numbers, Ruger does not publish production numbers. Info below is from "Reference of Ruger Firearms, Volume Two".