Ruger Safari Magnum/ Safari Express

Includes .44 & 10/22 Carbines; Mini-14, 30 & 6.8; Model 96 & 99/44 Deerfields; M77s; PC 4s & 9s; AC-556; MP9; XGI.
CP Ellington
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jan 29, 2021 8:26 am

Ruger Safari Magnum/ Safari Express

Post by CP Ellington »

I'm new to the collecting game and have just set my first goal. I bought a RSM in .416 Rigby and it started a quest. I have since bought the .270 and two 30-06 RSE rifles. I've got a handle on the RSM's as I have pending deals on the .375 H&H and .458 Lott from a dear friend. My question to some of you that collect the RSE's is I have had hell finding these rifles. I've only seen 4 actively for sale and bought three of them, and I have never seen anything but the .270 and 30-06 available. Where and how are you finding these other calibers? I am an avid hunter and Ranch manager and have several other Ruger M77's but I have become enamored with these high end Rugers. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
chet15
Posts: 734
Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2014 11:28 am

Re: Ruger Safari Magnum/ Safari Express

Post by chet15 »

There were a handful made in .25-06 as well.
Chet15
CP Ellington
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Jan 29, 2021 8:26 am

Re: Ruger Safari Magnum/ Safari Express

Post by CP Ellington »

Is there someone I can speak with at Ruger or a research site I can go to to nail some facts down about these rifles? I have been told that they were produced in the following calibers. 2506 (less than 15), 270,30-06,7mm, 300 win Mag, 338 win Mag, I'm not even sure of the truth. I certainly don't mind doing the research and sharing it, just not really sure where to start.
rugerdczr
Posts: 24
Joined: Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:07 pm

Re: Ruger Safari Magnum/ Safari Express

Post by rugerdczr »

I have 14 each of the Magnum and Express Rifles some pretty hard to find, some I found on Gun Broker,Ruger Forum and some Collectors. I had one come in shop a 270 Win I traded a $250 Muzzleloader for with ser# within 10 of a couple that I have,this one came without a Bolt and had some rust on barrel,floor plate,grip cap and Bolt for my 30/06 works fine and shoots great.Ruger didn't have Bolts left at that time. Keep looking! 458 Lott,416 Rigby,375 H&H,30/06,270 win,300 WM,7mm rem,Looking for a 25/06 :shock:
douglastwo
Posts: 25
Joined: Mon Mar 09, 2015 12:30 pm

Re: Ruger Safari Magnum/ Safari Express

Post by douglastwo »

Hi CP. You picked a great ruger bolt rifle to collect. Personally, I only collect the M77RSEX MKll. A good place to find a lot of information is Chad Hiddleson's booklet titled Reference of Ruger Firearms. I have edition #2 and the magnum and express rifle info is on page 463 and 464. Lot of great info on those two pages such as the calibers and approximate number of each produced, serial number info for each caliber, rifle feature info such as some of the earliest rifles were produced using serial number prefixes 780-xxxxx and 781-xxxxx, then serial number prefix 760-xxxxx was used, info addressing early rifles have push feed and then changed to controlled feed, info that twelve 25-06 were made and how they might have came about, and one or two made in 300 H&H . I'm sure you're aware that some rifles have very good wood and some are rather plain. I'm very lucky to have 3 (a 25-06, 270 and 7mm) with highly figured fantastic wood. I sold my 300 WM and 338 WM because the wood was rather plain. and of course I'm on the hunt for better wood replacements for those. Enjoy collecting and the Tulsa Gun Show this coming April will give you a good chance to meet a lot of great Ruger collectors that are loaded with info. Also, I feel fairly certain that you'll see a few of these great rifles at the show.
Ruger8r
Posts: 403
Joined: Sat Mar 28, 2020 1:28 pm
Location: Glendale, CA

Re: Ruger Safari Magnum/ Safari Express

Post by Ruger8r »

The M77 RSM is probably undervalued as they cost over $2400 new and the Turkish wood can be spectacular. The versions with a fluted front sight base and barrel-banded front sling attachment are the best looking IMHO.
Are the numbers of rifles manufactured in the 3 different calibers known?
"My greatest fear is that, when I die, my wife will sell my guns for what I told her I paid for them." Anonymous Collector
chet15
Posts: 734
Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2014 11:28 am

Re: Ruger Safari Magnum/ Safari Express

Post by chet15 »

Carbineguy wrote: Tue Apr 26, 2022 10:28 am The M77 RSM is probably undervalued as they cost over $2400 new and the Turkish wood can be spectacular. The versions with a fluted front sight base and barrel-banded front sling attachment are the best looking IMHO.
Are the numbers of rifles manufactured in the 3 different calibers known?
Not yet.
Chet15
Nahanni
Posts: 70
Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2018 9:44 pm

Re: Ruger Safari Magnum/ Safari Express

Post by Nahanni »

My favorite where the barrel band is in the fore stock and the barrel does not taper to the muzzle.
Attachments
20150509-CBlyth-P5090050-416rigbyweb.jpg
20150509-CBlyth-P5090049-1.jpg
20160508-CBlyth-P5080026-1.jpg
20160507-CBlyth-P5070022-1.jpg
Nahanni
Posts: 70
Joined: Wed Dec 05, 2018 9:44 pm

Re: Ruger Safari Magnum/ Safari Express

Post by Nahanni »

M77 RSM416 is pretty big. Here is a pic beside my Ruger No 1 375 Ruger.
Attachments
20160508-CBlyth-P5080043-Edit-1.jpg
Sornamj
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Jan 14, 2024 9:25 am

Re: Ruger Safari Magnum/ Safari Express

Post by Sornamj »

Hi I know this is old but I have a Ruger Safari I bought new (no box) near 20 years ago. I think I fired it once or twice. I would be willing to sell for a reasonable offer.

I am a retired COL in the Army and happy to confirm my identity. I am a reliable person as I know I am new here and there may be some reluctance to work with a new guy.

Let me know if any interest.
Post Reply