Like many others, I prefer open sights and enjoy looking at the Ruger offerings. I've read in the Reference about some that had slotted front sights but I don't think I've ever seen one.
Is there a story about why and how, apparently, a very few got slots for a hood? Did Ruger supply or make a sight hood for those guns and, if so, how rare are they? Are they the same as the non-slotted sights, otherwise? Is there a known SN range beyond the published 70-10491 high number? Would a Letter indicate the unique sight?
Thanks. Lots of questions, I know. Fascinating stuff.
M77 slotted front sight
M77 slotted front sight
"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
Re: M77 slotted front sight
Ruger evidently had a bunch of the slotted front sight bases made before they decided they weren't going to have the hood as a regular production accessory. Supposedly there were only three of the hoods made.
So, as the parts bin theory goes, the slotted front sight bases get used as they are grabbed from the box of front sight bases.
The slotted base is usually found on the #1 rifle. But as mentioned, can be found on the M77 into at least the 70-10xxx range.
Another thing to consider, the majority of early Number 1 rifles and M77 rifles did not have sights... so evidently took a while to finally use the small production of slotted sights up.
Chet15
So, as the parts bin theory goes, the slotted front sight bases get used as they are grabbed from the box of front sight bases.
The slotted base is usually found on the #1 rifle. But as mentioned, can be found on the M77 into at least the 70-10xxx range.
Another thing to consider, the majority of early Number 1 rifles and M77 rifles did not have sights... so evidently took a while to finally use the small production of slotted sights up.
Chet15