Ruger M77 controlled feed?

[kennygarza]

I have an early 1970's M77 ('71 or '72 I think). I'm trying to figure out if this rifle is an actual controlled feed action. I ask this because when I cycle the action, the round is pushed into the chamber, and the case is not gripped by the extractor. On my new Mk2, the round is actually gripped like a typical Mauser action. Upon examination of the bolt on the early model M77, the bottom of the bolt face has this rim, or ridge, that prevents the fed round from being gripped by the extractor. The upcoming round cannot slide up into the bolt face and the rim of the case cannot be gripped by the extractor. The case is only gripped when the round is seated in the chamber and the bolt is turned downward.

Is this normal for early M77's?

Please provide any info available.

Much thanks-
Kenny

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Upon examination of the bolt on the early model M77, the bottom of the bolt face has this rim, or ridge, that prevents the fed round from being gripped by the extractor. The upcoming round cannot slide up into the bolt face and the rim of the case cannot be gripped by the extractor. The case is only gripped when the round is seated in the chamber and the bolt is turned downward.

Is this normal for early M77's?

Yes. The early M77s were push feed, although they had the Mauser-style claw extractor. They cannot be converted to CRF because of the plunger-type ejector mounted in the bolt face.

 

[rbernie]

Only the MkII's are CRF, as far as I know. The easiest way for me to tell is to look at the safety - tang-mounted equals MkI pushfeed, and a swing-safety by the cocking piece equals a CRF MkII.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Correct -- only the Mark IIs are CRF (and not all of them are -- the early versions were push feed.)

The safety is why you can't simply put a MK II bolt into a Mk I rifle and convert it to CRF.

 

[kennygarza]

Much thanks for the info, guys. I guess I should have looked before I lept. If I wanted a push feed, I would have gone with Remington or some other. I simply assumed it would be like my Mk2.

I appreciate your input.
Kenny