I just traded for my second M77 MarkII Ultralight. My first was a walnut/blued model in 223Rem, this one is a stainless/skeleton stock in 270Win. Does anyone know any production numbers on the ultralight versions of the M77? Or percentage compared to the standard sporter models? I've only put my hands on 3 of them in my life and I own two of those. The third was an walnut/blued RLS 30-06 with iron sights and an 18.5 inch barrel. I like compact, but that just seemed to be too much of a good thing when chambered in 30-06. The shop also wanted $900 for it which I thought was too much.

Also, I know the early boat paddle stocks came with green inserts. Did Ruger every 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.

[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.pdf

As to how many model production numbers, Ruger does not publish production numbers. Info below is from "Reference of Ruger Firearms, Volume Two".

I have one in .30-06 and will never part with it. Not a great gun to shoot groups with, but an excellent hunting rifle. Cold bore shot is dead on.

Regarding the stock inserts, the only factory installed wood inserts that I've seen are on the Davidson's run of stainless 7.62x39s.

There was a vendor who made after-market stock inserts in a variety of different woods. IIRC, the vendor was located somewhere near Ruger's Pine Tree Castings production facility in Newport, NH.

This is a question for the Rody Brothers, Bill or Henry, since they actually know more about Rugers than most experts claim to know. The telephone number for their little gun shop is 603-863-3356.

There was also a run of M-77RPDLX MKII, Wood inserts, but they are not stainless. .22-250, and .223 Special Distributor models. Henry's NC., CSI MN., and MT Sports MT.