Ruger Model 77 rotary magazine
A flush-fitting rotary magazine for Ruger bolt-action rifles.
The Ruger Model 77 rotary magazine is a removable rotary magazine design used in a series of bolt-action rifles produced by Sturm, Ruger, and Co. It is notable for allowing the magazine to fit flush with the bottom of the stock, providing a sleek profile. The design is shared across several variants chambered in different calibers, including rimfire and centerfire cartridges.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United States
- Is Ranged
- yes
- Manufacturer
- Sturm, Ruger & Co.
- Production Date
- 1983-Present
- Variants
- see Variants
- Weight
- 5.25 -
- Length
- 38.5 -
- Part Length
- 18.5 -
- Cartridge
- .17 Hornet, .17 HMR, .17 WSM (77/17) / .22LR, .22 WMR, .22 Hornet (77/22) / .357 Magnum (77/357) / .44 Magnum (77/44)
- Action
- Bolt-action
- Feed
- Rotary magazine capacity: / 4+1 (.44 Mag) / 5+1 (.357 Mag) / 6+1 (.17 WSM, .17 Hornet, .22 Hornet) / 9+1 (.22 WMRF, .17 HMR) / 10+1 (.22 LR)
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The Ruger 77 rotary magazine was introduced in 1983 with the Ruger 77/22, a bolt-action rimfire rifle based on the centerfire Model 77 Mark II. The magazine's rotary design allows it to sit flush with the stock's bottom, distinguishing it from many other detachable magazine systems. The 77/22 was initially chambered for .22 Long Rifle, .22 WMR, and .22 Hornet, and each rifle came with scope rings and a lock.
Over time, the rotary magazine design was adapted for other variants. The 77/17, chambered in .17 HMR, .17 Winchester Super Magnum, and .17 Hornet, uses the same rotary magazine with a short bolt stroke and three position safety, but lacks sights. The 77/357, chambered in .357 Magnum, also uses the rotary magazine and features an adjustable rear sight and gold bead front sight. The 77/44, introduced in 1997, is chambered in .44 Magnum and uses the same rotary magazine design; it has a walnut stock and a threaded barrel. An aftermarket 10-round box magazine is available for the 77/44, alongside the standard 4-round rotary magazine.
Reader's Guide
The Ruger Model 77 rotary magazine is significant for its integration into a family of bolt-action rifles that span both rimfire and centerfire calibers. Its flush-fit design is a key characteristic, offering a clean appearance and reduced snagging compared to protruding magazines. The rotary mechanism is shared across the 77/22, 77/17, 77/357, and 77/44 variants, each adapted to their respective cartridges while retaining the short bolt stroke and three position safety. The 77/22, introduced in 1983, established the platform, and later variants expanded its versatility. The 77/44, introduced in 1997, added a .44 Magnum option with a threaded barrel and walnut stock. The availability of an aftermarket 10-round box magazine for the 77/44 indicates user interest in higher capacity. The rotary magazine's legacy lies in its consistent application across a range of calibers, from .17 HMR to .44 Magnum, without altering the fundamental design.
Did You Know?
- The 77/22 was introduced in 1983 and based on the centerfire Model 77 Mark II.
- The 77/44, introduced in 1997, has a walnut stock and a threaded barrel.
More in Bolt-Action Rifles, Part 5 1-24
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