To close out 2018, has Ruger announced a custom 50th Anniversary Model 77 Limited Edition rifle, a must-have for serious collectors and fans of the company’s long-running bolt-action.
While this commemorative treatment celebrates an historic milestone, it faithfully reflects the working-man appeal company founder William B. Ruger intended in his flagship offering. Scroll engraving and gold-fill inscriptions declaring, “M77 50 Years” are found on both the bolt handle and the floorplate. The high-grade American walnut follows the graceful contour of the present-day M77 Hawkeye generation, providing a handsome platform for the glossy, satin-blued barreled-action. The rifle’s .243 Win. chambering was one of four original calibers (along with .22-250 Rem., 6 mm Rem. and .308 Win.), and true fans will recognize the edition’s red drawstring bag containing the scope rings that replicates an accessory included with the earliest M77s released in 1968.
All of the coveted performance features found across the Hawkeye line are present on the commemorative. They include a precision, hammer-forged barrel mated with the rifle’s Mauser-type controlled-round feed action; a one-piece, stainless steel bolt; a patented hinged steel floorplate whose release latch is flush-mounted into the trigger guard; and a side-swing, three-position safety that will either fully lock the bolt or allow it to be cycled while on safe. 
As a collectible, as a shooter, or for both applications, the 50th Anniversary Model 77 represents a chance to own a piece of Ruger history. Reportedly just 1,000 pieces have been produced in this limited edition, at an MSRP of $1,799. For detailed info, visit ruger.com/products/HawkeyeLimited/models.
Additional Reading:
The Ruger Model 77 Turns 50
