Ruger M-77 Mark II Instruction Manual

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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
13
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
!WARNING – LOADING   
						

							14
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. 
						

							When firing the M-77®Mark II be sure that
bystanders are well clear of the shooter and
standing a safe distance to the rear. Empty
cartridge cases are hot and are normally ejected
from the rifle to the right. They could cause
injury to any person who is standing too closely
alongside the shooter. Shooters who fire right-
hand rifles from their left shoulder should be
particularly cautious concerning ejected
cartridge cases and the back of the bolt as it is
drawn rearward.
EJECTED BRASS IS HOT
!
15
TO UNLOAD RIFLE AND MAGAZINE
(Keep the Rifle Pointed in a Safe Direction)
UNLOAD THE RIFLE IMMEDIATELY WHEN YOU ARE FINISHED SHOOTING.
1.Move the safety selector to the “Load-Unload” position if the firing pin is
cocked.
2. Lift the bolt handle fully and then pull it completely to the rear to eject
chambered cartridge.
3. Inspect the chamber to be certain the cartridge has been extracted. Leave bolt
open. Do not unload magazine by feeding cartridges into chamber.
4. Push rearward the small latch in the front of the trigger guard to open the
hinged floorplate and empty the cartridges from the magazine. Hold the other
hand under the floorplate so as to retard the opening of the spring loaded
floorplate and catch the cartridges in the palm of the hand.
5. Close the bolt fully.
6. Move the safety selector in the “Fire” position and with the rifle pointed in a
safe direction, pull the trigger.
To fire the rifle:When a cartridge is chambered and the rifle is pointed in a safe
direction, put the safety in the “Fire” position. Pulling (squeezing) the trigger
will discharge the cartridge. Always be certain that you know where the bullet
will strike when you fire the rifle.Never allow the thumb to touch the cocking
piece when firing as it can be pinched when the cocking piece moves forward to
fire the rifle.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE
OWNERS OF M77 MARK II TARGET RIFLES- SEE PAGE 10 FOR
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FIRING YOUR RIFLE,
WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL TARGET TRIGGER.
WARNING – FIRING 
						

							!WARNING – UNLOADING
16
Removing cartridges from the magazine
does not prevent the rifle from being fired!
When there is a cartridge in the chamber
and the safety selector is in the “Fire”
position, the cartridge will discharge if the
trigger is pulled. It is absolutely essential
for the user to know how to completely
unload it.
“Completely” means emptying the
magazine and removing a chambered
cartridge. The safety selector should
always be in the “Load-Unload” position
when the rifle is being unloaded.See the
“Operation of Safety” section of this
manual.
GUN WILL FIRE WITH
EMPTY MAGAZINE
21
3
4
SAFETY IN
"LOAD-UNLOAD"
POSITION
CORRECT UNLOADING SEQUENCE
TO CLEAR A MALFUNCTION (“JAM”)
If a jam occurs, immediately put the safety selector in the “Load-Unload’
position and be certain the muzzle of the rifle is at all times pointing in a
safe direction.
Then study the situation to determine the nature of the jam and how best to
clear it.
– If a cartridge or fired case is caught between the bolt and the barrel, or
against a cartridge that is in the chamber, open the magazine. Then retract
the bolt fully and remove the jammed cartridge or case. 
						

							17
!WARNING – MALFUNCTIONS

If a cartridge hangs up, jams, or binds when
being chambered or when being fed from the
magazine into the chamber, do not attempt to
force it into the chamber by pushing or striking
the bolt handle.
Most failures of a cartridge to feed or to
chamber are caused by improper loading of the
magazine or ammunition that is incorrect or
defective.
Whatever the cause, the gun user must, above
all, recognize that jams can result in the very
potentially dangerous situation of a cartridge
discharging before it is chambered. If this
occurs, the cartridge case will rupture and its
fragments will fly out of the gun with sufficient
force to cause injury. Always wear shooting
glasses and hearing protectors!
STRIKING PRIMER CAN
BURST CARTRIDGE
– When attempting to extract a cartridge that is “stuck” in the chamber do
not use any type of tool that is likely to act as a “firing pin” and discharge
the cartridge should the tool impact on the primer.
– After clearing a jam, inspect the gun mechanism to determine if dirt might
be the cause of the problem. Excess lubricant or grease can cause
cartridges to feed sluggishly or fail to extract. An accumulation of grease or
dirt on the face of the bolt, under the extractor, in the chamber, or in the
magazine can contribute to cartridge feeding problems. (See section on
“Care and Cleaning” page 22).
– After clearing a jam, inspect all cartridges that have been removed from
the gun. Safely dispose of any cartridges which are in any way damaged.
–If it appears that the rifle is not at fault and that the jam was caused by the
type of cartridge being used, then try another type.
– Examine your fired cartridge cases. If they have split, blown or bulged
heads, stop using that ammunition and promptly return the rifle to the
factory for examination.
– If the above procedures do not result in a smooth and reliable feeding
firearm, don’t use the rifle. The RUGER
®M-77®MARK IIcan be
returned directly to our Newport Product Service Department for
inspection and repair, if required. See the “Service and Parts Policy”
section of the manual for packing and shipping information.  
						

							18
TO MINIMIZE MALFUNCTIONS (“JAMS”)
Firearms of all makes and types are susceptible to occasional malfunctioning due
to a cartridge not feeding from the magazine to the chamber, or due to a
cartridge or fired case not being extracted and ejected.
To minimize the possibility of such occurrences the gun user should:
– Use ammunition of the correct caliber and type which is loaded to U.S.
Industry Specifications. Do not use cartridges that are deformed, or
cartridges that have been reloaded.
– Clean and lubricate the gun in accordance with the instructions in this
manual.
– Learn to correctly operate the bolt and how to properly load and empty the
chamber and magazine.
– If the mechanism shows signs of not functioning correctly, or if a part is
damaged or broken – don’t use the rifle. Have it inspected and repaired.
For most repairs we recommend that Ruger guns be returned to the factory,
However, if a gun has a cartridge in it which cannot be removed, then it is a
violation of Federal Regulations to ship that loaded gun whether it be by U.S.
Mail or by common carrier. Contact our Newport Product Service Department at
(603) 865-2442.
BASIC DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY
!WARNING – DISASSEMBLY
Always unload a firearm
before cleaning, lubrication,
disassembly or assembly.
UNLOAD BEFORE
CLEANING
21
3
4
SAFETY IN
"LOAD-UNLOAD"
POSITION
It is preferable to carry out these procedures on a workbench or table which has
a covered top. A piece of shallow nap rug or an old, coarse blanket is an ideal
covering. Such a covering not only reduces the chances of the rifle slipping and
being scratched, but it serves also to trap pins, plungers and springs that may
otherwise get lost. It is advisable to have a container – such as a shoebox – in
which each part can be placed as it is removed from the gun. 
						

							19
Before attempting to disassemble the rifle for the first time,  study the parts
drawing and parts list so as to be familiar with the relative position, appearance
and name of each part. Carry out the disassembly slowly and carefully note the
position of the part in the gun before starting to remove it. If a part is under
spring tension (such as, the Safety Selector, Bolt Stop, Trigger) remove it
cautiously and anticipate the direction the spring and plunger are most likely to
“jump.”
WARNING: If a spring or plunger become lost do not use a substitute. Springs of
correct tension are vital to the safe and reliable performance of firearms. Before
starting disassembly, remove the sling, scope and rings and place the rear sight
blade in its down flat position.
DISASSEMBLY
(Rifle Must Be Unloaded Prior To Disassembly)
1.Keep the rifle pointed in a safe direction!Put the safety in the “Load-Unload”
position.
2.CHECK TO BE CERTAIN THAT THE CHAMBER AND MAGAZINE ARE EMPTY.
3.To remove the bolt:Open bolt and pull to the rear while at the same time
pivoting open the bolt stop (located on the left side of the receiver). This is as
far as you need to dismantle the rifle for a routine cleaning. It is rarely
necessary to proceed further.
4.To remove firing pin assembly from bolt:With bolt out of the rifle and firing
pin cocked, insert a pin or nail into the “disassembly hole” in the cocking
piece.
NOTE: The pin or nail should be as close as possible in size to the hole
diameter, and at least 2 inches long so that it can be used to ‘lever’ the firing
pin to the rear when reassembling the firing pin assembly into the bolt.
Unscrew firing pin assembly and remove from bolt. (Caution: Do not remove
the restraining pin until firing pin assembly is reassembled into bolt).
CAUTION:The firing pin assembly is intended to be a permanent
assembly and should not be disassembled. The parts are under great
spring pressure and if disassembled could fly apart with sufficient force to
cause serious injury. Also, special tools are required to correctly
reassemble this part.
!
5.To remove stock:Open floorplate and while holding it up out of the way,
loosen and remove the screw that holds the floorplate hinge assembly. Next,
loosen and remove the screw that is just forward of the trigger guard. Remove
trigger guard. Remove magazine box. (If magazine box does not come out
readily, do not force it. It can be lifted out with the barrel-receiver assembly,
but it must be done with great care.) Lift barrel from the stock very carefully.
Lift the receiver at the same time as the barrel is lifted so that the barrel-
receiver comes out of the stock level and not at an angle.
6.To remove the trigger:(Safety Selector should be in the “Fire” position).
While holding the trigger in place, press out the trigger pivot pin.
(Caution: Trigger is spring loaded). 
						

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7.To remove the sear:
a. Press out the sear pivot pin.
b. Turn receiver upside down and slide sear forward. Sear will drop out of the
top slot in the receiver.
8.To remove safety assembly:
a. Rotate the safety selector so that the upper section is positioned fully over
the center of the receiver tang.
b. While holding the safety selector in place with thumb and forefinger, slide
the retainer up out of receiver. (Caution: Safety Selector is under spring
tension from a spring and plunger acting against the lower section of the
safety selector. The spring and plunger will jump out if not contained).
c. Lift out the safety selector.
d. Remove the safety selector detent and safety selector detent spring.
REASSEMBLY
(Again, Be Sure Rifle Is Unloaded)
1.To replace the safety assembly:
a. Place the safety selector detent and safety selector detent spring into the
hole in the receiver.
b. Set the safety selector in place with its upper section positioned over the
center of the receiver tang.
c. While holding the safety selector in place with thumb and forefinger while
applying downward pressure, slide the safety selector retainer into dovetail
from the top. Align the notch in the safety selector retainer with the sear pivot
pin hole.
2.To replace the sear:
a. Place the rear end (the end with the hole in it) of the sear into the slot from
the top of the receiver. Swing the rear end of the sear up and slide the sear
into position until the hole in the sear is aligned with the mating holes in the
receiver.
b. Insert the sear pivot pin.
3.To replace the trigger:
a. Place the trigger/sear spring over the dimple in the trigger.
b. Assemble the trigger while aligning the spring with the dimple on the sear.
c. While holding the trigger in position, replace the trigger pivot pin.
4.To replace the stock:
a. Install magazine box on receiver.
b. Place barrel-action assembly – with magazine box in place – into stock.
c. Replace trigger guard and loosely install screws.
d. Install floorplate hinge assembly and firmly tighten screw. (This screw is
angled and draws the barrel-action assembly into the bedding surface of the
stock).
e. Tighten the two trigger guard screws as follows: Do not tighten one screw
all the way and then tighten the other. Instead, alternately tighten each one –
a partial turn at a time – so that the screws will be tightened equally until both
are snugly tightened. 
						

							21
5.To reassemble firing pin assembly into bolt:
Screw the assembly fully into the bolt. The assembly is properly positioned in
the bolt when the flat on the bottom right side of the bolt sleeve (front of bolt
facing you) is aligned with the flat on the bottom end of the bolt handle. Note:
There is a shallow notch on the rear end of the bolt body – at the end of the
cam cut – into which the nose of the cocking piece ‘fits.’ When the firing pin
assembly is being turned into the bolt body, it may be necessary to use the
restraining pin as a lever to slightly retract the cocking piece nose so it can be
moved into the notch. When the firing pin assembly is correctly positioned in
the bolt body, the restraining pin can be removed but not before!
6.To replace bolt:
a. With bolt handle in an upward position and bolt head away from you, align
the extractor with the right hand locking lug. Align the locking lugs with the
channels in each side of the rear of the receiver and partially insert the bolt.
b. Push the bolt fully forward.
REGARDING ACCURACY:The accuracy of any rifle can vary depending upon the
make and type of cartridges used in it. Such being the case, if your RUGER
®
M-77®MARK IIrifle does not perform to expectations, it is advisable to try
several brands and types of cartridges to determine which one delivers the best
accuracy, before proceeding further. If your rifle is not as “accurate” as you
believe it should be, before concluding that some serious fault exists, run the
following checks:
1. Be certain the two trigger guard screws and the floorplate hinge screw are
snugly tightened as described in Step 4, p. 20, of the “Reassembly” section of
this manual.
2. Be certain the bore is clean and free from accumulated metal fouling
(deposited by metal jacketed and lead bullets). See the “Care and Cleaning”
section of this manual.
3. Check the sights for tightness, setting and alignment.
If everything is tight, the bore is clean, the sights are properly aligned and secure
but the accuracy problem persists, DO NOT alter the stock bedding in any way.
Do not scrape away wood and do not bed with “glass,” plastic, epoxy, etc. Once a
rifle stock has been altered, it cannot be reworked by our Product Service
Department.
If you still have an accuracy problem, write a brief letter to our Product Service
Department in Newport, New Hampshire 03773 and describe the nature of the
problem based on the use of factory-loaded cartridges – not reloads. You will
receive a prompt response from us and if indicated, detailed instructions with
regard to the return of the rifle.