Gunsmithing Steps needed to make a M77 into Gunsite Scout

[dang472]

I have one of the first Ruger M77 MarkII Target rifles in 308 Win. It actually has a blued receiver and a stainless heavy barrel. I've got 2 other 308s I shoot and this gun has just been collecting dust. I'm kinda interested in the Gunsite Scout rifle with a DBM, scout rail, open sites, and 16in barrel. Would this be a simple stock change with the required bottom metal? I believe the scout rail mounts off the front scope ring mount. The only permanent modification would be hacking off the barrel and installing a front site.

 

[nashlaw]

Re: Steps needed to make a M77 into Gunsite Scout

Not trying to be negative, but you would probably be better off and get off WAY cheaper by selling your rifle and buy the factory Ruger Scout. I handled one a month or so ago and it was pretty sweet and had a price of $799. If you try to make your rifle into the factory offering, you are going to have a a$$ ton of money in the project.

 

[dang472]

Re: Steps needed to make a M77 into Gunsite Scout

I know exactly what you are saying but this rifle was given to me as a birthday gift long ago and I'll never sell it. It's definitely not "heirloom" status or anything of real value, just not something I'll ever sell. The money made off of a sale wouldn't be worth it to me. What I'm going after is a way to make this a rifle something that I'll want to pull out of the safe and shoot. I've seen some Gunsite stocks show up on ebay for under a $100. I'm most curious about the bottom metal.

 

[Hairball]

Re: Steps needed to make a M77 into Gunsite Scout

You would need to modify the rifle to take an M14 mag well or a gunsite well which utilizes AI mags. The mag well and trigger guard for the ruger scout is made from glass reinforced nylon. I have not had an issue with mine but many may avoid them as they have had issues with “plastic” in these areas before. Unless you do all of the work yourself, it may be cheaper to just buy a new ruger and leave that one in the safe.

 

[dang472]

Re: Steps needed to make a M77 into Gunsite Scout

My M77 has an internal box mag so the receiver is cut to accept rounds. I would imagine the OEM Ruger Gunsite stock would be inletted for the proper bottom metal and it's simply getting the proper Ruger parts. I was hoping someone had the new Ruger and an older standard one to compare the two.

 

[SharpsNitro]

Re: Steps needed to make a M77 into Gunsite Scout

If it has sentimental value why not just leave it as is? If you are interested in a scout rifle I would recommend the Steyr. I've owned a couple and carried one in Africa for a plains game hunt.

 

[dang472]

Re: Steps needed to make a M77 into Gunsite Scout

It has sentimental value because it was given to me from my grandfather. He painted, I've painted it, and now recently I stripped it down back to original. This gun has been my guinea pig for installing pillars and bedding the stock. It's been molested several times over. My grandpa is the type that gets into customization so it would be neat to show him what the old 308 has become. If it can't be done without modifying the receiver, I'll just leave it alone.

 

[SharpsNitro]

Re: Steps needed to make a M77 into Gunsite Scout

That makes sense. I don't know about modifying an M77, I only responded because I'm a fan of the Steyr Scout. Anyway, good luck with the project.