Ruger M-77 Mark II Instruction Manual

							INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
FOR
RUGER®
M-77®MARK II
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 ACCOMPANY THIS 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
STEELCALIBERS.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.  
						

							3
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 ANY ADULT TO
STORE OR LEAVE A FIREARM IN ANY PLACE WITHIN
THE REACH OR EASY ACCESS OF A MINOR 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.” 
						

							4
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 KEEP A 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.” 
						

							5
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. ALL WEAPONS 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 A MINOR.”
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
6
!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.
7 
						

							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
!
8
!
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 IIrifle
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 IIrifles 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. 
						

							9
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 IIMagnumRifles 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 IIExpressRifles 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 IITargetRifle 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 IICompact 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 GUARDFLOORPLATE LATCH
FLOORPLATE SAFETY SELECTOR (shown on “SAFE”)
COCKING PIECE
BOLT SLEEVE
SCOPE MOUNT BASES (integral)
RECEIVER
EXTRACTOR
STOCK
BARREL
(Standard Model Shown)  
						

							10
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 firingand 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  
						

							11
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
3
2
1
SAFELOAD-
UNLOADFIRE
“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