Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Which is the rarer Ruger 77?

I was lucky enough to buy a Ruger 77 with the barrel stamped 7 mm express remington OR 280 Rem. today at a gun show for 550 bucks. I have only seen 1 other Ruger 77 stamped 7 mm express remington. Is mine with the double caliber stamp rarer? It is blued with wood stock. made in 1979 maybe?

I have no idea but that’s kind of cool.

I forgot about stampings when I read $550!😮

Lol, I didnt hesitate. Gun was filthy but I didnt mind 1 minute while i was cleaning her up! Bolt actually squeeked when i closed it! Guy next to me said youll never find any ammo for that thing!!!

Dog leg bolt? Pre-warning barrel?

I had a full stock Ruger 77 carbine with the tang safety in 308. I sold it like an idiot. I made a trade for a Ruger #1 in 30.06 and some cash for the 77.

I had one of those, sold it on this site in 2021, SN 771-440xx.

I bought it in 2010 and never shot it. I called Ruger to ask about the double caliber stamp and the CSR told me Ruger never used that style of stamp. I told him that I was holding the rifle as I spoke him and assured him that it was indeed stamped with both 280 REM and 7MM EXP REM.

Reminded me that Ruger CSRs aren't gun people, just people inputting a serial number into their computer and reading whatever comes up on the screen.

No warning on barrel. Red pad, tang safety, no sights. I think dog leg bolt? Not a flat top or flat bolt. Pm a cell # and i will gladly send a picture. I knew there had to be some Ruger guys on here

These were all post Flat bolt or Pre-Warning rifles, from around the 1979-1980 timeframe. I think they were only marked as ".280 REM or 7MM EXP REM" during that era. Not many seen and they do command a very small premium. Sounds like you did well if it cleans up nicely. And yes, you can find .280 Rem ammo without too much effort. Now, if the barrel was marked "7MM-06 REM" then you would have hit the jackpot!!!

BLR358WIN: I had an early Ruger 77 in caliber 7m/m Express - it was a Varmint Model with the 24" heavy blued barrel. I bought it new and did some long range Mule Deer and Antelope Hunting with it.
It shot pretty well .750" groups (5 shots at 100 yards) with a Leupold 6.5x20 scope on it. I have NO idea why I sold it.
Good for you and enjoy that bargain Rifle.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy