M77 as a barreled action from factory?

[STURMRUGERFAN]

Got a Ruger letter back on a M77 in 7x57 I bought recently that came to me with an aftermarket stock. The letter says it was produced and shipped in 1985 but shows it as a barreled action.



I have never heard of this, is this something that was remotely common? If so i guess that solves the mystery as to why it doesn't have a factory stock. I couldn't fathom that the original stock would have been beat up so bad the previous owner would have needed to change it as the rifle is pristine and doesn't appear to have really been used at all.

[Rugerokie]

I don’t know about the 77s but I have a no.1 280V that was sold as a barreled action in 1985.

[chet15]

Yes, at one time Ruger offered barreled actions for their M77 series of rifles as well as the Number 1. Though never cataloged, they are also known to have shipped 2 or 3 #3 Carbine barreled actions in .44 mag.
Chet15