Ruger 77/50 Instruction Manual

							31
3.To replace the trigger:
a. Rotate safety to “fire” position.
b. Place the trigger/sear spring over the dimple in the trigger.
c. Assemble the trigger while aligning the spring with the dimple on the
sear.
d.  While holding the trigger in position, replace the trigger pivot pin.
4.To replace the breech plug:
a. Lubricate the br
eech plug/nipple
assembly threads thoroughly with a
good quality black powder gun grease.
(See Figure 27) Do not lubricate the
back or nipple portions of the breech
plug. Failur
e to lubricate it will make
this part extremely difficult to remove.
b. Using the supplied breech plug wrench, insert and tighten the breech
plug/nipple assembly into the threaded rear end of the barrel.
(See Figure 28) Do not over-tighten -- firmly snug will do. It will tighten
during firing.
B
TIGHTEN BREECH PLUG
CLOCKWISE
A
INSERT
WRENCH
28
REPLACING THE BREECH PLUG
RIG +P LUBE
THREADS
DONT PLUG
NIPPLE HOLE
27
ALWAYS LUBRICATE
BREECH PLUG! 
						

							5.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.)   
a.  Carefully install the barrel/receiver assembly into the stock, making sure
the barrel/receiver assembly is in the most rearward position.                   
(See Figure 29)
b. Install the trigger guard and screws (shorter screw in front).
(See Figure 30)
29
C
A
B SHORT SCREW
IN FRONT
30
REINSTALL TRIGGER GUARD
INSERT BARRELLED ACTION INTO STOCK
32 
						

							c. Slide barrel band over
barrel and rearward onto
the stock forend. Tighten
band screw when in place.
Replace ramrod in stock
through thimble under
barrel. (See Figures 31a,
31b, & 31c) Ramrod head
should rest in barrel cut
beneath muzzle.
Ramrod will not enter
stock easily if band
screw is tightened
excessively.
6.To assemble the bolt:
a. Lubricate the bolt sleeve
threads and the angled
cocking cam surface on the
rear of the bolt. Slide the
bolt sleeve assembly into
the bolt from the rear. Screw
the bolt sleeve into the bolt
to position shown (clockwise
pas
t notch). (See Fig. 32)
b. Carefully remove the
wrench handle on pin from
cocking piece (See Fig. 33)
TURN
SCREW
CLOCKWISE
31b
THIMBLE
HEAD IN
NOTCH
31c
31a
33
32
33
REINSTALL BAND
TIGHTEN BARREL BAND SCREW
REINSTALL RAMROD
SCREW BOLT SLEEVE INTO BOLT
REMOVE PIN 
						

							34
c. Carefully rotate
counterclockwise until
cocking piece snaps into
small notch and no
further!Only when the
bolt is correctly
assembled should it be
inserted into the
receiver. (See Fig. 34)
d. With safety in
“load/unload” (middle)
position, insert the bolt
into the receiver. (See
Fig. 35)
REGARDING ACCURACY
The accuracy of any muzzleloading rifle can vary depending upon the make and
type of projectiles and powder charge used in it. Such being the case, if your
RUGER
®MODEL 77/50 rifle does not perform to expectations, it is
advisable to try several brands and types of projectiles 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 barrel band and the trigger guard screws are snugly
tightened.
2. Be certain the bore is clean and free from accumulated fouling
(deposited by black powder and lead bullets). See the “Care and
Cleaning” section of this Manual, pp. 27 - 30.
3. Check the sights, or scope mounting system, for tightness, setting and
alignment.
4. Try increasing or decreasing the powder charge you use, never
exceeding 120 grains of powder. The heaviest charges are usually the
least accurate and give the most powder fouling, making consistent
shot-to-shot accuracy difficult.
Safety
B
AINSERT BOLT
SAFETY IN
LOAD/UNLOAD
POSITION
35
A
BSTOP!
AT SMALL
NOTCH
SLOWLY ROTATE
COUNTERCLOCKWISE
34
FINAL BOLT ASSEMBLY
REINSERT BOLT 
						

							TO CLEAR A MALFUNCTION (“JAM”)
If the rifle becomes difficult to operate, this can usually be traced to three basic
causes (followed by the appropriate corrective action):
1. Accumulated black powder fouling (cease firing & clean gun).
2. Percussion cap fragments inside receiver (carefully remove).
3. Percussion caps not fully seated on nipples (carefully reseat). Be sure you are
using the correct size cap (#11).
If it becomes necessary to disassemble the rifle to clear a jam, be sure to unload
it first.Neverwork on any gun with a percussion cap on the nipple!
!WARNING – MALFUNCTIONS

If the bolt hangs up, jams, or binds when
being closed, do not attempt to force it
forward by pushing or striking the bolt
handle.
Most failures to close are caused by improper
capping of the nipple, a dirty receiver, cap
fragments, or a breech plug not properly
screwed fully into the barrel.
Whatever the cause, the gun user must,
above all, recognize that jams can result in
the very potentially dangerous situation of a
percussion cap discharging the powder
charge before the bolt is closed. If this
occurs, cap fragments and hot gasses will fly
out of the gun with sufficient force to cause
injury. Always wear shooting glasses and
hearing protectors!
STRIKING PERCUSSION CAP
WILL FIRE THE RIFLE
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 the specific
components and load you use. You will receive a prompt response from us and if
indicated, detailed instructions with regard to the return of the rifle.
35  
						

							MAINTENANCE OF
STAINLESS STEEL COMPONENTS
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 surface 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 preservative.
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.
36
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. 
						

							7. The bottom finish of a telescopic sight mounted over the action may be
damaged by hot gasses and cap fragments exiting the breech area when firing.
This should not affect the scope’s performance. Carefully clean all scope lenses
of fouling when you clean your rifle.
PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME STATES RESTRICT TELESCOPIC SIGHTS ON
MUZZLELOADERS USED FOR HUNTING -- CHECK YOUR LOCAL GAME
LAWS.
SIGHT ADJUSTMENT
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.
SUGGESTED SIGHT PICTURE
Top of front sight even with top of
rear sight slide. Front sight
centered in notch of rear sight
slide. Target bull’s-eye centered on
top of front sight.
37 
						

							38
SERVICE AND PARTS POLICY
If you have any question with regard to the performance of your RUGER®
MODEL 77/50 rifle please write or call (603-863-3300) 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 IS UNLOADED.
DO NOT SHIP BLACK POWDER OR
PERCUSSION CAPS WITH A FIREARM.
!
SHIPPING FIREARMS FOR REPAIR
RUGER®MODEL 77/50 rifles 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) 863-3300.
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
possessing 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
handgun (pistol or revolver) is shipped by an individual who does not hold a
Federal Firearms License, it must be shipped via U.P.S. 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
experienced 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 $15.00 plus a $5.00
shipping and handling charge. The charge for rebluing the Model 77/50 rifle is
$35.00 plus a $5.00 shipping and handling charge. Custom gunsmithing service
or non-standard alterations are NOT AVAILABLE from Ruger Product Service
Departments. 
						

							It is the purchaser’s responsibility to be absolutely
certain that any parts ordered from the factory are
correctly fitted and installed. Firearms are
complicated mechanisms and IMPROPER
FITTING OF PARTS MAY RESULT IN A
DANGEROUS MALFUNCTION, DAMAGE TO THE
FIREARM, AND SERIOUS INJURY TO THE
SHOOTER AND OTHER PERSONS. The
purchaser and installer of parts must accept full
responsibility for the correct adjustment and
functioning of the firearm after such installation.
PARTS MUST FIT CORRECTLY
39
ORDERING PARTS
All parts orders for the MODEL 77/50rifle should be sent to: Sturm, Ruger &
Co., Inc., Product Service Department, 411 Sunapee Street, Newport, New
Hampshire, 03773. 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 shipping 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. The price shown for parts does not include
the minimum net labor charge of $15.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling
charge if the parts are factory fitted. All factory-fitted parts are fitted on an
exchange basis only. We will not return the replaced parts.
Because the receiver of the Model 77/50 rifle (part number J00110) 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 
						

							40
PARTS LIST AND SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICESDesign, prices and specifications subject to change without notice.
SPECIFY MODEL AND CALIBER WHEN ORDERINGRUGER
®MODEL 77/50 PERCUSSION RIFLE
(See Exploded View on Page 42)
Caliber
Part Name Part No. Model .50 Blued Stainless
Accessory Kit - Includes: Cleaning Tube; J29001 All Models • $   9.75 –
Breech Plug Wrench; & Wrench Handle
* Barrel 0J8012 77/50-RS, 77/50-RSO • 65.00 –
* Barrel K0J8012 K77/50-RSBBZ • – $ 118.00
Barrel Band J06801 All Models • 6.00 –
Barrel Band Screw B-69 All Models • .50 –
Bolt Handle KJ01006 All Models • 50.00 –
Bolt Lock Plunger KJ02600 All Models • – 2.00
Bolt Lock Plunger Retainer J04600 All Models • .50 –
Bolt Lock Plunger Spring J04500 All Models • .50 –
Bolt Sleeve KJ01700 All Models • –  18.75
Bolt Stop J05302 77/50-RS, 77/50-RSO • 3.75 –
Bolt Stop KJ5302T K77/50-RSBBZ • – 4.00
Bolt Stop Plunger Spring J05401 All Models • .50 –
Breech Plug KJ06705 All Models • – 9.50
Breech Plug Wrench J09001 All Models • 6.00 –
Breech Plug Wrench Handle J09100 All Models • 1.00 –
Butt Plate C-63 77/50-RSO • 2.50 –
Butt Plate Screw, 2 Req’d B-64 77/50-RSO • ea.   .50 –
Cleaning Tube J09300 All Models • 3.00 –
Cocking Piece KJ01800 All Models • – 8.00
Front Trigger Guard Screw J04705 All Models • .50 –
Front Sight, Assembly J26016 All Models • 21.50 –
Ramrod Assembly J27105 All Models • 16.50 –
Ramrod Support J08406 All Models • 21.50 –
Rear Mounting Screw J04800 All Models • .50 –
Rear Sight J06100 All Models • 13.00 –