Difference between M77 and M77 Mark II

[NimrodRx]

All,

Can anyone tell me the difference between the two?  I have only owned one Ruger center fire in my life time, a .22-250 M77 Mark II.  Sold it to my brother to get some flavor of the month at the time.  Good thing is I still get to shoot it occassionally.  After a Timney trigger, the thing is a tack driver.

Anyway, I ran across a M77 chambered in .308.  The rifle is 98% and the price is right.  However, it doesn't say "MKII" on it like my .22-250 did.  Is this just an older version of the M77?  It does have the two position tang safety. 

Also, at the base of the trigger is a set screw.  Is this indicitive of an aftermarket trigger?  The trigger is a little heavy, but it is crisp.  Do the factory triggers have this set screw?  I know they're not adjustable.  If in fact this is an aftermarket/adjustable trigger (i.e. Timney), then that makes the deal even sweeter.

[poncaguy]

The older model 77's have a tang saftey..........

[NimrodRx]

Thanks.  I didn't think there were any big differences other than the safety.

Any idea about the trigger?  I will have to take a closer look at it tomorrow.

I don't know why I'm fretting over it.  I can get the rifle, sling, two boxes of ammo, and a Leupold VX-III 1.5-5X20 OTD for $550.  Hardly seems like I'm going to get hurt at that price.

[HuntingGuy]

Doesn't sound like a bad deal!  The scope sells for $400.00 alone on Midway, 2 boxes of ammo $40, sling $15 = $417.00.  Is the gun worth 133.00 to you?

[NimrodRx]

I'm gonnna do it.  I figure if I sell the scope, I can pay back the piper before the wife realizes it was ever gone

[Coyote Hunter]

NimrodRX -

The trigger is probably a factory trigger  - they were adjustable on the M77's but not on the M77 MKII's.

In addition to the tang safety, the M77's were a push-feed design.

I have two of each type and love them all. 

First thing I would do is float the barrel if it isn't already (they are not floated when they left the factory).

[NimrodRx]

Thanks guys.  I picked up the rifle this morning .  I downloaded the owner's manual today.  Looks like the trigger can be adjusted heavier, but not lighter - that is not without replacing the spring or doing some polishing. 

[Mr. Joe]

This really doesnt pertain to the 77, but i had always heard that the 77MKII's didnt shoot all that great because Ruger outsourced the barrel.  I had always liked them becuase of the controlled round feed and the clasic stock profile anyways though.  Last year i was up at the Williams Gunsight showroom and noticed the ruger display and started playing with the rifles.  I was told that Ruger had started making their own barrels again, but i wasnt sure if that was just a sales pitch.  Reguardless, when i got home i called Ruger and they varified this for me.  I went back and purchased a 77MKII sporter wich is stainless and laminate sporter weight in .308.  I had my gunsmith do a triger job wich turned out great at 2.5bl and crisp.  I sold my Rem 700 BDL in 7 mag to buy it so i was hoping it was a good shooter.  Boy oh boy was it ever! Both my brother and were able to shoot groups measuring .87 and .88 respectivly with federal 150gr. NBT ammo.  I could not be more pleased with this gun!  I was happy with the remmy, but i just dont like magnum calibers to be honest.  The Ruger did not disapoint and i could not be happier with the choice in caliber.  Based on my chrono. the .308 in a 22 inch barrel is within rougly 30-40 fps of my buddys 22 inch barreld 30-06 with Winchester, Federal, and Remington factroy ammo, but i have the advantage of less recoil and a short action!  Needless to say...BUY THE RUGER!