After years of anticipation, Bill Ruger started to ship his long-awaited rimfire rifle in 1984. The Model 77/22 bolt-action rifle incorporated such items as the famous Ruger classic stock, 10-shot rotary magazine, three-position safety, a new bolt locking system and an integral one-inch scope mounting arrangement. Over time, the gun has been chambered for the .22 LR, .22 WMR, .22 Hornet and now the .17 HMR.

The new Model 77/17 is very pleasant to look at and hold, thanks to Ruger’s classic treatment of the walnut stock. With no fancy frills, Monte Carlo comb or white-line spacers, the rifle calls to mind its Model 77 MkII centerfire counterpart, and aside from the fact the 77/17 stock is a little shorter on the front end and the action is smaller, it could be an identical twin.

This is a full-size, comfortable rimfire rifle built to adult hunting standards. Length of pull is 131⁄2 inches. The stock itself is 301⁄4 inches, which, for the sake of comparison, is 11⁄2 inches shorter than the centerfire version’s stock--which is 313⁄4 inches from its fore-end tip to the recoil pad. Weight of the gun complete with a Burris scope is 71⁄4 pounds.

The outside finish of the Model 77/17 is satin and looks like the oil finishes of old but is really a high-durability modern polyurethane. There are no runs, and it’s smooth to the touch.

The checkering pattern, pistol grip cap and the general feel are certainly those of the Ruger school. There is more than an ample supply of point checkering cut handsomely on both the pistol grip and the fore-end of the rifle. The pistol grip cap sports the Ruger logo, and sling swivel studs and a black butt pad and spacer complete the package.

Ruger Model 77/17
Type:	bolt-action rimfire
Caliber:	.17 HMR
Capacity:	9
Barrel Length:	22 in.
Overall Length:	41 in.
Weight:	6 1/2 lb.
Sights:	None; scope rings included
Trigger:	3 1/2-lb. pull
Stock:	walnut
Price:	$690
Manufacturer:	Sturm, Ruger & Co.,Ruger.com , 203-259-7843

To remove the bolt, ensure the rifle is unloaded, then pull the bolt rearward until it stops. The bolt stop is located on the left-hand side of the rifle and sits flush with the receiver.

After the bolt is removed, reach under the rifle and remove the rotary magazine. To part action from stock, remove the twin stock screws in the front and rear of the trigger guard assembly.

Internal inletting is extremely sharp, with all corners and contours done in a quality manner. The 22-inch hammer-forged barrel hugs the stock very closely, with no unsightly gaps along the lines where metal meets wood.

The investment castings that make up the receiver, trigger guard assembly and other interior parts are well finished and polished to a rich satin hue. The barrel is attached to the receiver via twin longitudinal screws that go through a heavy V-block retainer to pull the barrel tightly into the receiver, rigidly locking both together.

The unusual bolt is two-piece and locks securely with opposing locking lugs on the rotating rear section.