DOCUMENTED RUGER TAKEDOWN MODEL 77 MARK II PROTOTYPE BOLT ACTION RIFLE

DOCUMENTED RUGER TAKEDOWN MODEL 77 MARK II PROTOTYPE BOLT ACTION RIFLE

23-6474
Cal. 30-06
S# 787-92199

Bbl. 20″ of lightweight configuration without provision for sights having No. 1 style rib installed that allows for attachment of Ruger rings and a scout scope, much like the Frontier model. The top of barrel forward of the rib has standard “warning marks” and company address. The action is also machined for Ruger rings. The purpose of its barrel rib is to allow maximum potential accuracy by having a sighting system on the barrel rather than relying on the solidity of its barrel connection to receiver. Test fired September 27, 2000 (1989-2008 when replaced by Hawkeye model) and shipped to a Colorado FFL on March 9, 2011 as the result of a Ruger benefit auction conducted on Gunbroker. Ruger’s website lists 2011 as its shipping date with a Model number of 07826.

The rifle was designed by the late Bill Atkinson per the request of Mr. Ruger who was fond of Savage Model 99 takedown rifles and an admirer of Arthur Savage in general. Per factory letter signed by Ruger CEO, Michael Fifer, the rifle was designed for compact transportation in limited spaces (such as by plane to remote hunting areas). The takedown procedure uses a detachment method of interrupted barrel threads with a latch system borrowed from the Ruger Red Label shotgun. When separated, the forend section with its black tip stays attached to the barrel assembly which is uncommon for takedown rifles. Due to the perceived potential for inaccuracy by the general public, Mr. Ruger canceled the concept as he deemed it would not be a commercial success.

UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: original invoice of 2011 plus above noted factory letter. White 50th year box with simplified label and marker notations on each end plus outer shipping box addressed to a Colorado FFL dealer. Ruger inventory control tag and manual.

STATUS: MODERN