ruger M-77 MARK II User Guide

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

FOR

RUGER

M-77®MARK I I

BOLT-ACTION RIFLES

For Product Service on This Model Please Call:

(603) 865-2442 (See p. 27)

STURM, RUGER & Company, Inc.

Southport, Connecticut 06890 U.S.A.

THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL SHOULD ALWAYS ACCOMPANYTHIS FIREARM AND BE

TRANSFERRED WITH IT UPON CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP, OR WHEN THE FIREARM IS LOANED OR

PRESENTED TO ANOTHER PERSON.

KD & KDM 2/03 R10

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS IN THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM

BLUED &

STAINLESS

STEEL

CALIBERS

.223, .22-250, .220 Swift, .260 Rem.,

6mm Rem., 6.5x55 Swedish, .243, .257 Roberts, .25-06, .270 Win., .270 WSM, .280 Rem., 7x57mm, 7mm-08, 7mm Rem. Mag.,

7mm Rem. Short Ultra, 7mm WSM, .308,

.30-06, .300 Win. Mag., .300 Rem. Short

Ultra, .300 WSM, .338 Win. Mag., 375 H&H,

.416 Rigby & .458 Win. Mag.

WARNING

“Children are attracted to and can operate firearms that can cause severe injuries or death. Prevent child access by always keeping guns locked away and unloaded when not in use. If you keep a loaded firearm where a child obtains and improperly uses it, you can be fined or sent to prison.”

ADVERTENCIA

State-By-State Warnings

Certain states require by law that their own specified warning notices in larger-than-normal type be conspicuously included by the manufacturer, distributor, or retail dealer with firearms sold in that state. Sturm, Ruger sells its products in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Because our products may be sold in these states, we include the following:

California:

“A los niños los atraen las armas de fuego y las pueden hacer funcionar. Ellos pueden causarses lesions graves y la muerte. Evite que los niños tengan accesso a las armas de fuego guardándolas siempre con llave y descargadas cuando no las esté utilizando. Si usted tiene un arma de fuego cargada en un lugar en que un niño tiene acceso a ella y la usa indebidamente, le pueden dar una multa o enviarlo a la carcel.”

Connecticut:

“UNLAWFUL STORAGE OF A LOADED FIREARM MAY RESULT IN IMPRISONMENT OR FINE.”

Florida:

“IT IS UNLAWFUL, AND PUNISHABLE BY IMPRISONMENT AND FINE, FOR ANYADULT TO STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM IN ANY PLACE WITHIN THE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF AMINOR UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE OR TO KNOWINGLY SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER OWNERSHIP OR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM TO A MINOR OR A PERSON OF UNSOUND MIND.”

Maine:

“ENDANGERING THE WELFARE OF A CHILD IS A CRIME. IF YOU LEAVE A FIREARM AND AMMUNITION WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO FINE, IMPRISONMENT OR BOTH. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION SEPARATE. KEEP FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION LOCKED UP. USE TRIGGER LOCKS.”

Maryland:

“WARNING: Children can operate firearms which may cause death or serious injury. It is a crime to store or leave a loaded firearm in any location where an individual knew or should have known that an unsupervised minor would gain access to the firearm. Store your firearm responsibly!”

Massachusetts:

“WARNING FROM THE MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEY GENERAL: This handgun is not equipped with a device that fully blocks use by unauthorized users. More than 200,000 firearms like this one are stolen from their owners every year in the United States. In addition, there are more than a thousand suicides each year by younger children and teenagers who get access to firearms. Hundreds more die from accidental discharge. It is likely that many more children sustain serious wounds, or inflict such wounds accidentally on others. In order to limit the chance of such misuse, it is imperative that you keep this weapon locked in a secure place and take other steps necessary to limit the possibility of theft or accident. Failure to take reasonable preventive steps may result in innocent lives being lost, and in some circumstances may result in your liability for these deaths.”

“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR KEEPA FIREARM, RIFLE, SHOTGUN OR MACHINE GUN IN ANY PLACE UNLESS THAT WEAPON IS EQUIPPED WITH A TAMPER-RESISTANT SAFETY DEVICE OR IS STORED OR KEPT IN A SECURELY LOCKED CONTAINER.”

New Jersey:

“IT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR.”

New York City:

“THE USE OF A LOCKING DEVICE OR SAFETY LOCK IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE WEAPONS STORAGE. ALLWEAPONS SHOULD BE STORED UNLOADED AND LOCKED IN A LOCATION THAT IS BOTH SEPARATE FROM THEIR AMMUNITION AND INACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN AND ANY OTHER UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS.”

North Carolina:

“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM THAT CAN BE DISCHARGED IN A MANNER THAT A REASONABLE PERSON SHOULD KNOW IS ACCESSIBLE TO AMINOR.”

Texas:

“IT IS UNLAWFUL TO STORE, TRANSPORT, OR ABANDON AN UNSECURED FIREARM IN A PLACE WHERE CHILDREN ARE LIKELY TO BE AND CAN OBTAIN ACCESS TO THE FIREARM.”

Wisconsin:

“IF YOU LEAVE A LOADED FIREARM WITHIN THE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A CHILD YOU MAY BE FINED OR IMPRISONED OR BOTH IF THE CHILD IMPROPERLY DISCHARGES, POSSESSES, OR EXHIBITS THE FIREARM.”

***************** *****

Please check with your licensed retailer or state police for additional warnings which may be required by local law or regulation. Such regulations change constantly, and local authorities are in the best position to advise you on such legal matters.

This firearm was originally sold with a key-operated locking device. While it can help provide secure storage for your unloaded firearm, any locking device can fail. All guns are designed to fire if they are loaded and the trigger is pulled. Therefore, never install the

locking device inside the trigger guard or in any way that it can possibly pull the trigger! Do not

leave the keys in the lock. The ultimate responsibility for

secure storage of any firearm must depend upon its owner and his or her individual circumstances.

Guns should be securely stored unloaded, in a secure location, separate from their ammunition.

See “Storage Warning”, page 24.

NEVER INSTALL

LOCKING DEVICE

INSIDE TRIGGER GUARD

WARNING – LOCKING DEVICES

DO NOT INSTALL

INSIDE TRIGGER GUARD

INSTALL LOCK

AS SHOWN HERE

FIREARMS SAFETY-YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

SAFETY MUST BE THE FIRST AND CONSTANT

CONSIDERATION OF EVERY PERSON WHO

HANDLES FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION.

This Instruction Manual is designed to assist you in learning how to use and care for your RUGER®M-77®MARK IIrifle properly.

Only when you are certain you fully understand the Manual and can properly carry out its instructions should you practice loading, etc. with live ammunition. If you have any doubts about your ability to handle or use a particular type of gun safely, then you should seek supervised instruction. Such personalized instruction is often available from gun dealers, gun clubs or police departments. If none of these sources can help you, write to the National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-7400. They will assist you.

The person with a gun in their possession has a full-time job. You cannot guess; you cannot forget. You must know how to use your firearm safely.

Do not use any firearm without having a complete understanding of its particular characteristics and safe use. Remember: There is no such

thing as a foolproof gun.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Target Trigger Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Operation of Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

To Load and Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

To Unload Rifle and Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

To Clear a Malfunction (“Jam”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

To Minimize Malfunctions (“Jams”) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Basic Disassembly and Reassembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Maintenance of Stainless Steel Rifles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Attaching Ruger Scope Rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Sight Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Service and Parts Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Parts Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36, 37 & 38

The Basic Rules of Safe Firearms Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

“Ruger” & “M-77”, are registered U.S. trademarks.

WARNINGS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE ARE FOUND ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES:

Locking Devices 6 Firing 15 Alterations 8 Unloading 16 Target Trigger 10 Malfunctions 17 Manual Safety 11 Disassembly 18 Lead Exposure 12 Lubrication 23 Ammunition 13 Storage 24 Loading 13 Parts Purchasers 28 Handling 14

OTHER CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS APPEAR

THROUGHOUT THE MANUAL.

WARNING–ALTERATIONS

This product was designed to function properly in its original condition. Alterations can make it unsafe. Do not alter any part or add or substitute parts or accessories not made by Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc.

DO NOT ALTER ANY GUN

FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS WEAPONS –

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS

IN THIS MANUAL THOROUGHLY AND

CAREFULLY BEFORE USING.

GENERAL INFORMATION

AND MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The RUGER®M-77®MARK IIis a bolt-action, magazine fed, repeating rifle. The receiver on all versions of the RUGER

M-77®MARK II rifle

incorporates integral scope mount bases (see the illustration on p. 9). A set of two steel one-inch scope rings is included.

Other notable features of RUGER

M-77®MARK II rifles include: A three-

position safety, a fast lock-time steel trigger mechanism, a patented bedding system, quick release hinged floorplate with a newly designed floorplate latch, cut-checkered walnut stock with rubber recoil pad, and studs to which sling swivels can be attached. An “All Weather” version featuring stainless steel construction and a warp-proof synthetic stock is also available.

All mechanical components are made of heat-treated chrome-molybdenum or stainless steel with music wire coil springs throughout the mechanism (except the magazine spring). The rifle is available in short, standard, and magnum action lengths, and in right-hand and left-hand versions.

The RUGER

M-77®MARK II Magnum Rifles are the first true “magnum

length” actions offered by Sturm, Ruger. By combining a specially reinforced and lengthened receiver with a massive banded barrel, with an integral solid rib onto which special folding leaf Express sights with wide “V” notches have been dovetail mounted, Ruger has produced a modern big game rifle for the discriminating sportsman.

The RUGER

M-77®MARK II Express Rifles are the first deluxe standard

length actions offered by Sturm, Ruger. The barrel incorporates an integral solid rib onto which special folding leaf Express sights with wide “V” notches have been dovetail mounted. This is a modern deluxe rifle with superior quality wood and features usually found only on custom rifles.

The RUGER

M-77®MARK II Target Rifle is purpose-built for long range

precision target shooting. It features a heavyweight hammer-forged barrel, target grade laminated wood stock, and a special two-stage target trigger (See p. 10 “Special Safety Note”)

The RUGER

M-77®MARK II Compact Model has a specially designed

stock with a 12 3/4” length of pull, shorter forend, and a 16 1/2” lightweight barrel for ease of carry in dense cover.

NOMENCLATURE

Figure 1. Right-handed version shown. In this illustration the cocking piece is shown cocked (protruding from the rear of the bolt sleeve). The bolt stop (on the left side of the receiver) permits the bolt to be withdrawn simply by pulling it out to the left. The safety

selector should be in the “Load-Unload” position when the bolt is being removed or installed.

TRIGGER

BOLT HANDLE

TRIGGER GUARD

FLOORPLATE LATCH

FLOORPLATE

SAFETY SELECTOR (shown on “SAFE”)

COCKING PIECE

BOLT SLEEVE

SCOPE MOUNT BASES (integral)

RECEIVER

EXTRACTOR

STOCK

BARREL

(Standard Model Shown)

SPECIAL SAFETY NOTE

M77 MK II TARGET RIFLE ONLY

The special model you have selected is specifically designed for long-range precision target shooting. As such, it demands that you take extra safety precautions.

The special trigger in the Target version of the RUGER

M-77®MARK II

has a two-stage pull, both for safety and precise placement of shots. Initial movement of the trigger is relatively “slack” until resistance is felt after approximately 1/8” of travel. Final let-off of the trigger is then crisp and light. You should practice “dry-firing” an empty

rifle (with it pointing in a safe direction) to learn the “feel” of the trigger before ever loading it with ammunition.

WARNING–TARGET TRIGGER

This precision Target trigger has been carefully adjusted at the factory to a minimum safe weight of pull (part #D02202), overtravel (part #D02201), and sear engagement (part #D02201). Do not alter any factory setting! You can create an unsafe condition and the rifle may fire unexpectedly.

You should be especially careful to keep the safety on at all times except when actually firing and keep your finger off the trigger unless you are squeezing it to fire, in order to minimize the possibility of accidental discharge.

DO NOT TAMPER WITH TRIGGER – KEEP SAFETY ON UNLESS FIRING

OPERATION OF SAFETY

The RUGER®M-77®MARK II rifle has a three position safety. The safety selector is located at the right of the bolt sleeve (on the left of the bolt sleeve on left-handed versions).

The safety selector can be moved from the “Fire” position to its two other positions (“Load-Unload” and “Safe”) only when the firing pin is cocked. Fully raising the bolt handle cocks the firing pin.

The bolt handle can be raised and lowered only when the safety selector is in either the “Fire” or the “Load-Unload” position. When the safety selector is in the

Figure 2. Safety selector in

“FIRE” (full forward) position.

The safety selector should be moved to this position only when the gun user is actually firing the rifle. When the safety is in the

fire position, it is referred to as being “off.” (When the safety is in the “SAFE” position, it is referred to as being “on.”)

Figure 3. Safety selector in

“LOAD-UNLOAD” (middle)

position. The safety selector should

be in this position when the bolt is being cycled to load a cartridge, or to unload a live round. As soon as

a cartridge is chambered, the safety selector should be moved to the “SAFE” position unless the rifle is to be fired immediately.

Figure 4. Safety selector in

“SAFE” (full rearward) position.

The safety selector is fully nested in the groove in the cocking piece. When the safety selector is in this position, the bolt handle cannot be raised. The curved arrow on the bolt sleeve indicates the direction and motion of the safety selector to bring it to the “SAFE” position.

Keep the safety in this position except when actually loading, unloading, or firing.

WARNING–MANUAL SAFETY

SAFE

LOAD- UNLOAD

FIRE

“Safe” position, the bolt handle is locked in the closed (full down) position, in order to prevent inadvertent lifting of the bolt handle and to ensure that the rifle will be ready to fire when the safety is moved to the “fire” position.

Practice (with an unloaded rifle) moving the safety selector to the three positions until you know the position of the safety selector for the three modes– “Fire,” “Load-Unload,” and “Safe.” WARNING: When manipulating the safety selector,

DO NOT HAVE ANY FINGER INSIDE THE TRIGGER GUARD! When the safety selector is in the “Fire” position and the trigger is pulled, the rifle will fire.

The safety selector should always be in the “Safe” position except when the gun user is actually firing or unloading the rifle. The safety selector should unfailingly be moved to the “Safe” position when the gun user ceases firing.

SAFETY POSITIONS

(Right-hand rifle shown)

Keep the safety on unless actually firing. Always move the safety fully to its intended position and check it. The safety has three positions –“SAFE,” “LOAD-UNLOAD,” and “FIRE.” Never depend on a safety mechanism or any other mechanical device to justify careless handling or permitting the rifle to point in an unsafe direction. The only “safe” rifle is one in which the bolt is open and the chamber and magazine are empty.

KNOW HOW TO USE THE SAFETY

AMMUNITION

RUGER®M-77®MARK IIrifles are chambered for many of the most popular factory-loaded cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice. The particular caliber for each rifle is rollmarked on the barrel. Use cartridges only of the designated caliber that is marked on the barrel. Please see AMMUNITION WARNING below and LOADING WARNING on page 13.

Ruger M77 Mark II Express bolt action rifles are chambered for either the .270, .300 Magnum, 7mm, .338 Magnum, or .30/06 cartridges in all factory loadings. The Ruger Express Rifle magazine capacity is three cartridges.

Ruger M77 Mark II Magnum bolt action rifles are chambered for either the .416 Rigby, .404 Jeffrey or .375 H & H Magnum cartridges in all factory loadings. The Ruger Magnum Rifle magazine capacity is four cartridges in .375 H & H, three cartridges in .404 Jeffrey, and three cartridges in .416 Rigby.

WARNING – LEAD EXPOSURE

The safety selector is held in each of its three positions by a plunger that is under spring tension. Therefore, the gun user should frequently check the position of the safety selector to be certain it has not been inadvertently moved. If the safety does not function properly, or if the selector seems to move too easily, or if the safety selector does not seem firmly positioned in any of its three positions, the rifle should be discontinued from use and returned to the Newport Product Service Department for repair (See p. 27).

AMMUNITION (CARTRIDGES) NOTICE

WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE

OR INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN CONNECTION WITH, OR

AS A RESULT OF, THE USE IN ANY RUGER FIREARMS OF FAULTY,

OR NON-STANDARD, OR “REMANUFACTURED” OR HAND-LOADED

(RELOADED) AMMUNITION, OR OF CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN

THOSE FOR WHICH THE FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY CHAMBERED.

Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to lead and other substances known to the state of California to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.

SHOOTING OR CLEANING GUNS

MAY EXPOSE YOU TO LEAD

Know the caliber of your rifle you are loading and load cartridges of only that caliber into it!

Before loading, be certain the primer of each cartridge is seated flush with, or below, the surface of the cartridge case base. A cartridge discharged by the closing of the bolt can result in possible serious injury to the shooter and those nearby.

If a cartridge does not chamber readily, do not force it. Check the bore and chamber to be certain that each cartridge is the proper caliber and of correct dimensions. If you cannot determine why the cartridge will not fit, clear the rifle of all cartridges and write or call the factory.

The wrong ammunition can destroy your gun and result in serious injury.

BE SURE WHAT YOU LOAD

IS CORRECT

TO LOAD AND FIRE

Practice the important aspects of gun handling described below (with an unloaded rifle) until you can perform each of the steps with skill and confidence.

But before loading the rifle, please read completely through this manual, and be certain the muzzle is pointing in a safe direction. Do not load the rifle until you are ready to use it!

(The following procedure assumes a new rifle with the bolt out).

1. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction (See Rule 2, p. 39).

2. Position the safety selector in the “Load-Unload” position (see figure 3, p. 11).

3. Insert the bolt in the receiver in accordance with “To replace bolt” instructions

on Page 21.

4. Draw the bolt fully to the rear.

WARNING–AMMUNITION

Death, serious injury, and damage can result from the use of wrong ammunition, bore obstructions, powder overloads, or incorrect cartridge components. Even the strongest gun can be blown up by excess pressure. Only use correct ammunition loaded to U.S. Industry Standards. Always

wear shooting

glasses and hearing protectors.

IMPROPER AMMUNITION

DESTROYS GUNS

W ARNING–LOADING

To single-load: (Safety should be in “Load-Unload” position). Place a cartridge

directly into the chamber and close the bolt. If there are cartridges in the magazine and it is desired to single load a cartridge directly into the chamber, depress the top cartridge and push the bolt forward until the bolt face is well ahead of the rim of the top cartridge in the magazine. Then, close the bolt.

WARNING–HANDLING

WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU ARE ACTUALLY READY TO FIRE THE RIFLE.

Never carry the rifle loaded with the safety selector in the “FIRE” position. If

dropped or struck with the safety off, the rifle may fire. Such a discharge can occur with or without the trigger being directly struck or touched. Never rest a loaded

rifle against any object. (wall fence, vehicle, tree, etc.) because there is always the possibility that the rifle will be jarred or slide from its position and fall with sufficient force to discharge. Keep safety on unless actually firing.

Never lower (uncock) the firing pin with a loaded cartridge in the chamber. Under such circumstances the firing pin will be in direct contact with the primer of the loaded cartridge and a light accidental blow to the firing pin can readily cause the gun to discharge.

ANY GUN MAY FIRE IF

DROPPED

Loading the magazine: (Safety should be in “Load-Unload” position). With the

bolt open, load cartridges of the correct caliber directly into the magazine by pressing one cartridge at a time into the magazine.

Loading the chamber: (Safety should be in “Load-Unload” position). Do not

chamber a cartridge until you are ready to shoot immediately. After loading the

magazine, push the bolt handle forward. This will strip a cartridge from the magazine and push the cartridge ahead of the bolt into the chamber. Close the bolt handle fully downward and put the safety fully rearward to the “Safe”

position.

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