Ruger 77/22 Instruction Manual

							22
5.To remove the stock: (Be certain the bolt and magazine have been removed
from the rifle.)
NOTE: On the K77/22RP & RSP models, disregard step “b” and magazine well
liner in step “c”, below.
a. Remove the rear mounting screw in the trigger guard.
b. Swing the rear of the trigger guard out of the stock to clear trigger.
Unhook trigger guard assembly from the receiver. Remove the trigger guard
assembly.
c. Remove the front mounting screw and magazine well liner.
d. VERY CAREFULLY lift the barrel/receiver assembly from the stock.
6.To remove the barrel: (.22 LR, .22 Magnum, and .17 HMR Rifles Only
)
a. Remove the (2) barrel retainer screws and barrel retainer.
b. Slide the barrel forward to remove it from the receiver.
NOTE:.22 Hornet and .44 Magnum caliber barrels are threaded into the
receiver and should not
be removed except by the factory.
7.To remove the trigger:(Safety Selector should be in the “Fire” position). 
a. While holding the trigger in place, press out the trigger pivot pin.
(Caution: Trigger is spring loaded and under tension --- be careful!).
b. Remove the trigger and trigger/sear spring.
8.To remove the sear:
a. Press out the sear pivot pin.
b.  Turn receiver upside down and slide sear forward. Sear will drop out of
the top slot in the receiver.
9.To remove safety assembly:
a. Rotate the safety selector so that the upper section is positioned fully
over the center of the receiver tang.
b.  While holding the safety selector in place with thumb and forefinger,
slide the retainer up out of receiver. (Caution: Safety Selector is under
spring tension from a spring and plunger acting against the lower section of
the safety selector. The spring and plunger will jump out if not contained).
c. Lift out the safety selector.
d. Remove the safety selector detent and safety selector detent spring.
10.To remove the bolt stop:
a. Depress the bolt stop plunger (with the tip of a jewelers screwdriver
blade or similar tool) and remove the bolt stop from the pivot. (Caution:
This spring and plunger will jump out.)
b. Remove the bolt stop plunger and bolt stop plunger spring.
CAUTION:The bolt sleeve assembly is intended to be a permanent
assembly and should not be disassembled. The parts are under great
spring pressure and if disassembled could fly apart with sufficient force to
cause serious injury. Also, special tools are required to correctly reassem-
ble this part.! 
						

							23
REASSEMBLY(Again, Be Sure Rifle Is Unloaded)
1.To replace the bolt stop:
a. Replace the bolt stop plunger and bolt stop plunger spring. (Be certain
that the step flats on the plunger match the flats on the mating surface of
the bolt stop.)
b. Depress the bolt stop plunger and replace the bolt stop on the pivot.
2.To replace the safety assembly:
a. Place the safety selector detent and safety selector detent spring into the
hole in the receiver.
b. Set the safety selector in place with its upper section positioned over the
center of the receiver tang.
c. While holding the safety selector in place with thumb and forefinger,
slide the safety selector retainer into dovetail from the top. Align the notch
in the safety selector retainer with the sear pivot pin hole.
3.To replace the sear:
a. Place the rear end (the end with the hole in it) of the sear into the slot
from the top of the receiver. Swing the rear end of the sear up and slide the
sear into position until the hole in the sear is aligned with the mating holes
in the receiver.
b. Insert the sear pivot pin.
4.To replace the trigger:
a. Place the trigger/sear spring over the dimple in the trigger.
b. Assemble the trigger while aligning the spring with the dimple on the
sear.
c.  While holding the trigger in position, replace the trigger pivot pin.
5.To replace the barrel: (.22 LR, .22 Magnum, and .17 HMR Rifles Only
)
a. Assemble the barrel into the receiver assembly.
b.  Replace the barrel retainer and barrel retainer screws.
6.To replace the barrel/receiver assembly into the stock: (Caution: Be certain
that the pivot pins are not protruding from either side of the receiver.)
NOTE: On the K77/22RP & RSP models, disregard magazine well liner instal-
lation in step “b”, and all of steps “c” & “d”, below.
a.  Carefully install the barrel/receiver assembly into the stock, making sure
the barrel/receiver assembly is in the most rearward position.
b. Install the magazine well liner and front mounting screw.
c. Hook the forward end of the trigger guard assembly into the receiver.
d. Swing the rear of the trigger guard into position.
e. Install the rear mounting screw. 
7.To assemble the bolt:
a.  Place the firing pin into the mating slot in bolt sleeve assembly.
b. Slide the bolt sleeve assembly into the bolt from the rear.
c. Screw the bolt sleeve into the bolt to position shown.
d. Install the breech block into the front end of the bolt.
e. Align the holes in the breech block with the hole in the bolt. 
						

							f. Replace the breech block retaining pin. Flats on the breech block retain-
ing pin must align with the slot in the breech block when the retaining pin is
installed.
g. Rotate the bolt sleeve assembly in counter-clockwise position until the
cocking piece engages small notchin the bolt.
h. Remove the pin or nail from the cocking piece. If the breech block does
not rotate freely about 1/16” in both directions, then reinsert the pin or nail
in the cocking piece hole and check to be certain that the breech block retain-
ing pin is fully seated. Only when the bolt is correctly assembled should it be
inserted into the receiver.
i. Insert the bolt into the receiver.
REGARDING ACCURACY:The accuracy of any rifle can vary depending upon the
make and type of cartridges used in it. Such being the case, if your RUGER 
MODEL 77/22
®, MODEL 77/17, orMODEL 77/44TMrifle does not per-
form to expectations, it is advisable to try several brands and types of cartridges to
determine which one delivers the best accuracy, before proceeding further. If your
rifle is not as “accurate” as you believe it should be, before concluding that some
serious fault exists, run the following checks:
1. Be certain the front mounting screw and the rear mounting screw are snugly
tightened.
2. Be certain the bore is clean and free from accumulated fouling (deposited by
powder and lead bullets). See the “Care and Cleaning” section of this Manual,
pp. 25 - 26.
3. Check the sights, or scope mounting system, for tightness, setting and align-
ment.
4. Be certain the two barrel retainer screws are fully tightened.
If everything is tight, the bore is clean, the sights are properly aligned and secure
but the accuracy problem persists, DO NOTalter the stock bedding in any way.
Do not scrape away wood, and do not bed with “glass,” plastic, epoxy, etc. Once a
rifle stock has been altered, it cannot be reworked by our Product Service
Department. If you still have an accuracy problem, write a brief letter to our
Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New Hampshire 03773
and describe the nature of the problem based on the use of factory-loaded car-
tridges – not reloads. You will receive a prompt response from us and if indicated,
detailed instructions with regard to the return of the rifle.
MAGAZINE INSPECTION AND CARE
Check the magazine frequently. The rotor must move freely and have adequate
tension so that each cartridge is quickly raised to the feeding position. At the time
of manufacture, proper rotor tension is set by rotating the magazine cap nut until
the r
otorstops turning. Then the nut is turned an additional 1 1/4 turns beyond
the ‘stop’ position.
To test the rotor tension, load one cartridge into the magazine and then firmly
press against the side of the cartridge case. Remove your finger quickly. The car-
tridge should instantly and fully move into the feeding position. If it does not, the
magazine should be cleaned. If cleaning does not restore proper rotor tension, do
not use the magazine.(NOTE: After testing, remove the test cartridge).
24 
						

							Exploded view of the 77/22®
Long Rifle magazine com-
ponents. This illustration is
included to show the rela-
tionship and names of the
magazine components. The
77/22
®Magnum, .17 HMR,
77/22®Hornet, and 77/44TM
magazines are similar. As
noted in the text above, the
magazine should not be dis-
assembled.
When cleaning is necessary, use a solvent that will not rust the metal compo-
nents or adversely affect the plastic magazine box. After the magazine has been
soaked in solvent to loosen foreign matter, be certain to shake it vigorously (with
the loading opening away from you) to remove solvent or residue from within
the magazine.
After cleaning, always check to be certain that rotor movement and tension are
correct, and that no solvent or debris remain. Do not disassemble the magazine.
Improper reassembly or improper tensioning of the rotor spring can cause a
potentially dangerous malfunction. If you experience a problem with the maga-
zine, don’t use it. Get a new one.
CARE AND CLEANING
A firearm must be free of rust, dirt, grease and firing residues to function safely
and reliably. Periodic maintenance, which includes inspection of components to
determine if they are in proper working order, is absolutely essential. Firing
deposits particles of bullet lubricant and powder in the bore, chamber, bolt,
receiver, magazine and other parts of the rifle. There is no fixed rule as to how
frequently the cleaning should be carried out, but the alert gun owner soon
learns that any firearm functions most reliably and accurately when it is free of
accumulations of grease and other firing residues.
Basic cleaning equipment includes: A correct size cleaning rod equipped with
bore brushes (fiber and brass) and a tip in which a cloth patch can be inserted,
patches, powder solvent, lubricant, small lint-free cloths and a toothbrush. Use
correct size patches and brushes. Larger sizes will bind in the bore and can be
very difficult to remove! 
25
WARNING: BEFORE CLEANING, BE CERTAIN THE RIFLE
AND ITS MAGAZINE CONTAIN NO CARTRIDGES.!
DAMAGED, NON-STANDARD, OR IMPROPERLY
ASSEMBLED MAGAZINES SHOULD NOT BE USED.
THEY CAN CAUSE THE RIFLE TO MALFUNCTION.
Magazine Components
(.22LR Shown) 
						

							26
!WARNING – LUBRICATION
OIL
Insert rod from the chamber end of the barrel and push firmly so the patch or
brush emerges from the muzzle. Don’t reverse the rod when a brush or patch is
being used – it may bind. Don’t use patches or brushes dripping with solvent or
oil. Use rod and brushes with care so as not to damage gun.
1. Disassemble (field-strip) the rifle to the extent described on pages 21 - 22.
2. Push-pull a solvent-wetted patch through the bore several times. Next, using a
solvent-wetted brush, run it the full length of the bore as many times as is
necessary to completely remove all foreign  matter from the bore and cham-
ber. Dry the bore with clean patches and examine it. If bore remains fouled,
repeat the brushing. Complete the cleaning by dry-patch wiping of bore and
chamber.
3. Use a clean, solvent-wetted patch to remove firing residue and dirt from all
“reachable” surfaces inside the receiver. Use the solvent-wetted toothbrush to
dislodge caked dirt from all parts of the bolt assembly and from surfaces inside
the receiver that can’t be reached with a patch. Use cleaning patches or the
cloth to remove the solvent.
4. Wipe all surfaces –  internal and external – with a very light coat of oil. Oil and
similar preparations “collect” dirt particles which can interfere with reliable
functioning of the rifle. Therefore, use these preparations very sparingly. A
drop of oil applied to the bolt assembly components, the pivot points of the
trigger mechanism, the safety, the bolt stop, and the magazine latch, will work
into all the parts that need lubrication.
5. Reassemble the rifle and carefully wipe all solvent, lubricating and preservative
preparations from the stock.
6. If the rifle is to be stored for an extended period, clean the rifle thoroughly.
Disassemble to the extent described elsewhere in this manual, taking care to
put pins and similar easily mislaid and “rolling” components in a tray. Rewipe
all surfaces with preservative oil. Reassemble and store properly.
Firing a rifle with oil, grease, or any other materi-
al even partially obstructing the bore may result
in damage to the rifle and serious injury to the
shooter and those nearby. Do not spray or apply
lubricants directly on ammunition. If the powder
charge of a cartridge is affected by the lubricant,
it may not be ignited, but the energy from the
primer may be sufficient to push the bullet into
the bore where it may become lodged. Firing a
subsequent bullet onto the obstructed bore may
damage the revolver and cause serious injury or
death to the shooter and those nearby. Use lubri-
cants properly. You are responsible for the proper
care and maintenance of your firearm.
IMPROPER LUBRICATION
DESTROYS GUNS 
						

							Never place or store any firearm in such a
manner that it may be dislodged. Firearms
should always be stored securely and
unloaded, away from children and careless
adults. Use the locking device supplied with
the rifle for storage.
The use of a locking device or safety lock is
only one aspect of responsible firearms stor-
age. For increased safety, firearms should be
stored unloaded in a location that is both
separate from their ammunition and inacces-
sible to children and any other unauthorized
person.
STORE SECURELY & UNLOADED
27
!WARNING – STORAGE
Loaded LoadedLoaded
STORAGE
GUNS SHOULD NOT BE STORED LOADED!
USE THE LOCKING DEVICE SUPPLIED WITH THE RIFLE FOR STORAGE.
(SEEPAGE6)
Do notstore the rifle in a leather case or scabbard. Leather attracts moisture,
even though the case may appear to be perfectly dry.
TO RENDER THE RIFLE INOPERATIVE FOR SAFE STORAGE
With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, remove the magazine (if applicable),
open the bolt, and check the chamber and the magazine to be sur
e the rifle is
completely unloaded!Depress the bolt latch, located at the left rear of the receiv-
er. Now pull the bolt fully to the rear. The bolt will come out the rear of the
receiver.
Store the rifle and the bolt in different locations. When disassembled in this
manner, the rifle is inoperable. It is impossible to fire the rifle until the bolt has
been correctly replaced into the rifle’s receiver.
To reassemble the rifle for firing, reinsert the bolt into the receiver from the rear.
With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, close the bolt. Check to be sure that
the bolt can be operated fully and freely. The rifle is now reassembled and can be
loaded and fired normally.
While the rifle is less likely to be used by unauthorized persons when disas-
sembled in the above manner, it is always safest to store any firearm with the
supplied locking device correctly installed, or to store the firearm in a gun safe
or other secure location away from children and unauthorized adults. Guns
should always be stored securely, unloaded
and separate from their ammuni-
tion. 
						

							28
MAINTENANCE OF
STAINLESS STEEL RIFLES
Firearms and components made of stainless steel are relatively more resistant to
corrosion than those of blued steel. However, in the interest of proper operation
and long life of a stainless steel firearm, inspect it frequently and clean, lubricate
and apply an appropriate rust preventative.
Sometimes discoloration occurs from perspiration or from contact with some
types of gun cases. Rusting may occur as a result of the firearm being exposed to
moisture, salt air or chemicals.
Minor discoloration can usually be removed by rubbing the stainless area with
an abrasive ink eraser, crocus cloth, or a “metal polishing” compound. When
using any of these abrasives, proceed with care and use light pressure to achieve
a blending of “color” with those areas that are not discolored.
External surfaces most subject to rusting from handling, or from exposure to the
elements should be cleaned and wiped dry after use or after exposure to adverse
conditions. If the rifle is to be stored, coat it with a light film of oil or preserva-
tive. Where the rifle is in continuing use, and the presence of oil or grease would
be objectionable, then the external surfaces can be coated (after cleaning and
drying) with a paste wax formulated for use on metals. Apply the wax sparingly,
allow time for it to dry hard, then buff lightly with a soft cloth. When applying
the wax, take care that it does not get into the mechanism or on the functioning
parts or in the bore. 
						

							ATTACHING RUGER SCOPE RINGS
Each Ruger telescope ring is a mated assembly of a top and a base. Do not mix
the parts of the two ring assemblies as they are not interchangeable. On the
underside of each mounting ring assembly there is an integral lug, located off
center with respect to the front and back sides of the mount. The lug is nearer to
the front surface. By reference to the lug, the mounting ring can be correctly
assembled with the front of the ring toward the muzzle of the rifle.
1. Disassemble one ring and reassemble over the scope body between the turret
and the eyepiece. Remember - the lug on the base should be on the front side
of the scope.
2. Install the four top screws. Do not tighten.
3. Disassemble the other ring and install it on the forward section of the scope
tube with the lug forwardly also. Install the four top screws. Again, do not
tighten.
4. Assemble the rings to the receiver with the lugs engaging the recesses in the
top surface of the receiver. Tighten the clamp nuts so that the rings are locked
to the semicircular cuts on the sides of the receiver.
5. Rotate the scope until cross-hairs are aligned properly and slide scope to
desired eye relief. Then tighten the eight top screws each a bit at a time to grip
the scope body.
6. Sight in according to the directions with your scope.
SIGHT ADJUSTMENT
(For Rifles Equipped With Open Sights)
The folding leaf rear sight is adjustable for elevation. The slide must be moved
one graduation to change the point of impact by approximately one inch at 25
yards. Shooting to determine the slide setting for ‘zero’ at a particular distance
should be done from a bench rest and over a measured distance. Use only a small
screwdriver with a blade tip that exactly fits the screw-head. Loosen the screws
only slightly so the slide doesn’t move too freely. Move the slide in the direction
you want the point of impact of the bullet to move. When the slide is positioned
at the desired height, carefully tighten both screws.
Lateral (windage) adjustment is made by “drifting’ the sight base in its slot. Place
a short brass rod against the sight base (and only the base) and tap the sight in
the direction you wish to move the point of impact.
29
SUGGESTED SIGHT PICTURE
Top of front sight even with top of
rear sight slide. Front sight cen-
tered in notch of rear sight slide.
Target bull’s-eye centered on top
of front sight. 
						

							30
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY
If you have any question with regard to the performance of your RUGER 
MODEL 77/22®, MODEL 77/17, orMODEL 77/44TMrifle please write or
call (603-865-2442) our Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street,
Newport, New Hampshire 03773, fully describing all circumstances and conditions
involved. If you should return your rifle to the factory for repair, or order parts for
it, please comply with the following suggestions for prompt service:
WARNING: BEFORE SHIPPING ANY FIREARM, BE
ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT IT AND ITS MAGA-
ZINE ARE UNLOADED. DO NOT SHIP CAR-
TRIDGES WITH A FIREARM.
!
SHIPPING FIREARMS FOR REPAIR
RUGER MODEL 77/22®, MODEL 77/17, orMODEL 77/44TMrifles
returned to the factory for repair should be sent to: Sturm Ruger & Company,
Inc., Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New Hampshire
03773. Telephone (603) 865-2442. Guns should be sent prepaid. We will not
accept collect shipments.
The Federal Gun Control Act, as well as the laws of most States and localities, do
not prohibit an individual (who is not otherwise barred from purchasing or pos-
sessing a firearm) from shipping a firearm directly to the manufacturer for
repair. However, before you ship your rifle to us, be certain that your State or
locality does not have a law or regulation which will prohibit you from receiving
the rifle from us after it has been repaired. If such receiving is prohibited, then
please have a Federally Licensed firearms dealer ship the gun to us. If your rifle
is sent to us by a dealer, it will be returned to him after being repaired. If a hand-
gun (pistol or revolver) is shipped by an individual who does not hold a Federal
Firearms License, it must be shipped via U.P.S. (Next Day Air) Persons who do
not hold a Federal Firearms License are prohibited by Federal law from shipping
a handgun by Mail. Handguns mailed in violation of the law are impounded by
the Post Office.
Please do not include rifle case, sling, telescopic sights or custom accessories
with a firearm being shipped to the factory for service. DO NOT SEND GUN
BOXES OR LITERATURE THAT YOU CONSIDER TO BE COLLECTOR’S
ITEMS – THESE ARE INVARIABLY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED IN
SHIPMENT. Rifles and shotguns may be shipped via Parcel Post. Always insure
your shipment.
Enclose a letter which includes your name, address, telephone number, serial
number and model of the firearm. Describe in detail the trouble you have experi-
enced with your firearm, or the work you wish to have done. Merely stating that
the firearm “needs repair” is inadequate information.
Work performed will bear a net minimum labor charge of $20.00 plus a $12.00
shipping and handling charge. The charge for rebluing the MODEL 77/22
®,
MODEL 77/17,or MODEL 77/44TMrifle is $50.00 plus a $12.00 shipping
and handling charge. Custom gunsmithing service or non-standard alterations
are NOT AVAILABLE from Ruger Product Service Departments. 
						

							31
ORDERING PARTS
Please contact the New Hampshire Product Service Department for parts avail-
ability and current prices. All parts orders for the MODEL 77/22®, MODEL
77/17, orMODEL 77/44TMshould be sent to: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.,
Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New Hampshire,
03773, (603) 865-2442.
We cannot comply with open account or C.O.D. requests. Payment in the form of
a check, money order, Visa or Mastercard must accompany your order. Credit
Card orders must include the account number, expiration date and whether it is
a Visa or Mastercard account. Minimum parts order is $1.00 plus a $3.50 ship-
ping and handling charge. Order parts by Part Number and Part Name and
include the entire serial number of the firearm for which the parts are being
ordered. There is a minimum net labor charge of $20.00 plus $12.00 shipping
and handling charge if the parts are factory fitted. All factory-fitted parts are fit-
ted on an exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts.
Because the receiver of the MODEL 77/22
®, MODEL 77/17,and
MODEL 77/44TMrifles is a serial numbered component, it is defined as a
“firearm” by Federal law and is not sold as a separate component.
*Parts designated by an asterisk must be factory fitted. These parts are fitted on
an exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts. We will not return
any part that is broken, malfunctioning, badly worn or has been modified. See
“Warning — Parts Purchasers”, above.
CAUTION: A gun containing modified, broken, malfunctioning,
or badly worn parts should not be fired.!
!WARNING – PARTS PURCHASERS
It is the purchaser’s responsibility to be absolute-
ly certain that any parts ordered from the factory
are correctly fitted and installed. Firearms are
complicated mechanisms and IMPROPER FIT-
TING OF PARTS MAY RESULT IN A DANGER-
OUS MALFUNCTION, DAMAGE TO THE
FIREARM, AND SERIOUS INJURY TO THE
SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS. The purchas-
er and installer of parts must accept full responsi-
bility for the correct adjustment and functioning
of the firearm after such installation.
PARTS MUST FIT CORRECTLY