1968 Ruger M77 Tang Safety First Year Production .243 Win 22" Barrel Red Pad Flat Bolt

Description:
MANUFACTURER: RUGER 
MODEL: M77 TANG SAFETY FLAT BOLT HANDLE SPORTER 
YEAR MANUFACTURED: 1968 FIRST-YEAR PRODUCTION 
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: UNITED STATES 
SERIAL NUMBER: 2377 
ARMORY MARKS: “RUGER M77” / “.243 WIN.” / “STURM, RUGER & CO. INC. SOUTHPORT CONN. U.S.A.” BARREL ADDRESS (EARLY SOUTHPORT PRODUCTION)
CALIBER: .243 WINCHESTER 
CAPACITY: 4-ROUND INTERNAL BOX MAGAZINE 
BARREL LENGTH: 22.00" 
BARREL FEATURES: LIGHT SPORTER CONTOUR
RIFLING: 6-GROOVE RIGHT-HAND RIFLING, 1:10" TWIST RATE
OVERALL LENGTH: 42.50" 
LENGTH OF PULL: 13.50" 
OPERATING SYSTEM: MAUSER STYLE CONTROLLED ROUND FEED 
ACTION: BOLT-ACTION 
TRIGGER: FACTORY ADJUSTABLE SINGLE-STAGE 
IRON SIGHTS: N/A
OPTICS: INTEGRAL DOVETAIL RECEIVER RAIL WITH RUGER RINGS
STOCK: SKIP-CHECKERING WALNUT WITH ORIGINAL RED RUGER RECOIL PAD 
GRIP: CHECKERED PISTOL GRIP 
FIREARM FINISH: BLUED STEEL WITH OILED WALNUT 
CONDITION: VERY GOOD WITH STRONG RIFLING & BORE
ADDITIONAL FEATURES: EXTREMELY EARLY LOW-SERIAL FIRST-YEAR M77, RARE FLAT BOLT HANDLE CONFIGURATION, ORIGINAL RED RUGER RECOIL PAD, EARLY SOUTHPORT CONNECTICUT PRODUCTION, RUGER RINGS, CLASSIC FIRST-GENERATION TANG SAFETY ACTION, COLLECTOR-GRADE EARLY CONFIGURATION 
WHAT’S INCLUDED: RIFLE AND RINGS 

This Ruger M77 Tang Safety is not just another vintage hunting rifle — this is an extremely early first-year production example carrying serial number 2377. Built during the original 1968 launch period of the M77 platform, this rifle represents the beginning of Ruger’s legendary American sporting rifle lineage. The rare flat bolt handle, Southport Connecticut markings, original red recoil pad, and ultra-low serial range place this rifle squarely into serious Ruger collector territory.

Chambered in .243 Winchester, this rifle was designed as a lightweight, flat-shooting field rifle capable of handling everything from varmints and predators to deer-sized game with ease. The 22-inch sporter barrel keeps the rifle lively and balanced while still delivering excellent velocity and accuracy with common 80 to 100 grain loads. Early M77 rifles developed a reputation for dependable real-world hunting performance, and the smooth control round feed action cycles with classic old-school Ruger authority.

What separates this rifle from later production examples is the unmistakable early-production configuration. The flat bolt handle is one of the most recognizable collector traits found on the first-generation M77 rifles and was quickly phased out in later production. Combined with the tang safety system, sharp-cut walnut checkering, and classic walnut-and-blue finish package, this rifle captures the exact styling that made the original M77 such an iconic American hunting rifle.

The .243 Winchester remains one of the most versatile cartridges ever chambered in a sporting rifle, offering mild recoil, excellent trajectory, and highly effective terminal performance on coyotes, antelope, and whitetail deer. The 1:10 twist rate handles traditional hunting bullets beautifully while maintaining the accuracy potential that made the cartridge famous. Whether carried through western sage country or hardwood deer timber, this rifle remains an exceptionally practical and easy-shooting field companion.

Visually, this rifle absolutely nails the classic American sporting rifle aesthetic. The walnut stock shows attractive grain and warm vintage character, the bluing remains rich and attractive, and the included factory Ruger rings preserve the rifle’s original collector profile. Early low-serial M77 rifles have become increasingly sought after among Ruger enthusiasts, and finding a first-year flat bolt handle example with serial number this low is becoming significantly more difficult every year.
 
***Please see pictures for condition and wear***

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DISCLAIMER
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Rifle Caliber: .243 Winchester
Manufacturer: RUGER
Model: M77
Serial Number: 2377
Barrel Length: 22
Bore Info: STRONG
Condition: VERY GOOD
Metal Condition: VERY GOOD
Wood Condition: VERY GOOD
Bore Condition: VERY GOOD
Manufacture Date: 1968

Price: $2,249.99
Shipping: $39.99
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