Ruger M77 Mark Ii: Front Screw Size Guide

The Ruger M77 is a bolt-action rifle that was first introduced to the U.S. market in 1968. The M77 has since undergone several redesigns, with the Model 77 Mark II being introduced in 1991. The rifle features an angled front screw that draws the action down and to the rear, tightly bedding it against the stock. The front screw is part of a three-screw action, with the middle screw holding the trigger guard and the rear screw providing additional stability. While the exact size of the front screw is not specified, proper torque is important to ensure accuracy and avoid crushing the stock.

The front screw needs to be tightened to 90 inch/pounds for accuracy

The Ruger M77 is a bolt-action rifle designed by Jim Sullivan during his time at Ruger. It was introduced to the U.S. market in 1968 and has since undergone several redesigns. The M77 uses an angled screw that draws the action down and to the rear, tightly bedding it against the stock.

The front screw of the Ruger M77 Mark II rifle needs to be tightened to 90 inch/pounds to ensure optimal accuracy. This torque setting is recommended by Ruger and is mentioned in their videos on the M77 rifle. Achieving this level of torque can be challenging, and some users have reported difficulty in reaching the required 90 inch/pounds. However, it is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of the rifle.

To achieve the desired torque, consider investing in a torque wrench with a long handle, which will provide the necessary leverage to tighten the screw to 90 inch/pounds with ease. These tools are readily available and can be found at affordable prices. A torque wrench will allow you to apply the necessary force without exerting excessive effort.

It is worth noting that the torque settings for the rear and middle action screws differ from the front screw. According to Ruger, the rear screw should be tightened within the range of 30 to 50 inch/pounds. As for the middle screw, it should be just barely tight, primarily to hold it in place within the gun. Adjustments to these screws may vary slightly from rifle to rifle, so it is recommended to make slight adjustments until the desired accuracy is achieved.

By following these torque settings, particularly tightening the front screw to 90 inch/pounds, you can ensure that your Ruger M77 Mark II rifle performs with the intended accuracy and precision.

The rear screw should be tightened to the maximum capacity

When it comes to the Ruger M77 Mark II, ensuring that the rear screw is tightened to its maximum capacity is crucial for achieving optimal accuracy. This is a key insight shared by users with first-hand experience in a Ruger forum.

In the forum, one user shared their observation that the presenters in two Ruger-produced videos attributed the poor accuracy of the M77 to insufficient torque on the front action screw. The presenters recommended tightening this screw to 90 inch/pounds, acknowledging that this requires considerable strength.

Responding to this, another user shared their technique for tightening the rear screw to its maximum capacity. They suggested using a regular inch-pound torque wrench, which can be purchased for a modest price. The long handle of this tool provides the necessary leverage to achieve the desired torque with minimal exertion.

It's worth noting that the same user also offered advice on the middle screw, recommending tightening it just enough to hold it in place. They cautioned that over-tightening the middle screw could result in the floor plate not latching properly.

By following these insights and ensuring the rear screw is tightened to its maximum capacity, Ruger M77 Mark II owners can enhance the accuracy of their firearm. It's important to approach any adjustments with care and attention to detail, as the tightening sequence and torque applied can significantly impact the overall performance of the weapon.

The middle screw should be tightened just enough to hold the trigger guard

When it comes to the Ruger M77 Mark II, ensuring that the trigger guard is securely attached is crucial for both functionality and safety. The middle screw of the trigger guard plays a vital role in achieving this.

The middle screw should be tightened with care and attention. The goal is to achieve a balance where the screw is tight enough to securely hold the trigger guard in place but not overly tightened to the point of causing damage or affecting the accuracy of the rifle.

It is important to understand that the tightness of the middle screw can impact the overall accuracy of the rifle. If the screw is too tight, it can affect the tension and alignment of the trigger guard, which in turn can influence the rifle's accuracy. Therefore, it is recommended to tighten the middle screw just enough to ensure the trigger guard is firmly in place without exerting excessive force.

In addition, it is worth noting that tightening the middle screw too much can lead to other issues. For example, if the floor plate of the rifle is difficult to latch, it is a sign that the middle screw is too tight and requires adjustment.

By following these guidelines and tightening the middle screw just enough to hold the trigger guard, you can maintain the accuracy and functionality of your Ruger M77 Mark II while also ensuring the trigger guard is securely attached.

The middle screw being too tight can cause the floor plate not to latch

The middle screw being too tight can cause the floor plate of a Ruger M77 Mk II rifle to not latch. This is due to the screw putting too much pressure on the floor plate, causing it to become misaligned. To fix this issue, the middle screw should be loosened slightly until the floor plate latches properly. It is also recommended to apply Blue Locktite to the screw to secure it in place.

The torque of the front action screw of the Ruger M77 Mk II rifle is also important for accuracy. According to Ruger, the front action screw should be tightened to 90 inch-pounds. However, some users have found this difficult to achieve, even with the use of a wrench. As an alternative, a large handle for a magnetic bit can be used to tighten the screw as much as possible.

The torque of the rear and middle action screws can also impact accuracy. Ruger recommends a torque of 30 to 50 inch-pounds for these screws. However, some users have found that tightening these screws as much as possible and then backing them out by 1/8 of a turn can improve accuracy. Ultimately, the torque of these screws may need to be adjusted through trial and error to find the optimal setting for each individual rifle.

It is important to note that over-tightening the action screws can cause damage to the rifle. Therefore, it is recommended to exercise caution and not exceed the recommended torque values. Additionally, it is advised to use a torque wrench to ensure that the screws are tightened to the appropriate torque specifications.

The front screw is angled to draw the action down and to the rear

The Ruger M77 Mark II is a bolt-action rifle that uses an angled front screw to draw the action down and to the rear, tightly bedding it against the stock. This design feature is unique to the Ruger M77 and its subsequent models, setting it apart from other rifles that typically use two screws. The angled front screw plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of the rifle. According to some Ruger-produced videos, insufficient torque on the front action screw can lead to poor accuracy. Therefore, it is recommended to tighten the screw to 90 inch/pounds to achieve optimal performance.

The front screw of the Ruger M77 Mark II is not just a regular screw but a vital component that contributes to the rifle's overall performance and accuracy. Its angle is specifically designed to draw the action down and towards the rear, creating a secure and tight fit against the stock. This innovative design enhances the stability of the rifle, reducing any potential movement or play that could affect the accuracy of each shot.

The importance of torque when tightening the front screw cannot be overstated. While achieving the recommended 90 inch/pounds of torque may seem challenging, it is crucial for maintaining the rifle's accuracy. The torque applied to the screw directly impacts the rifle's performance, and insufficient torque can lead to noticeable issues with accuracy. Therefore, it is worth investing in a suitable torque wrench to ensure the screw is tightened correctly, as suggested by experienced users of the Ruger M77 Mark II.

The middle screw of the Ruger M77 Mark II, which holds the trigger guard in place, should be tightened last and with less force. Finding the optimal torque for this screw may require some experimentation, as it can vary from rifle to rifle. The rear screw, on the other hand, can be tightened as much as possible. It is also worth noting that over-tightening the middle screw can cause issues with the floor plate latch, so caution is advised.

The Ruger M77 Mark II's three-screw action, with its angled front screw, is a unique design that sets it apart from other rifles. This feature ensures a tight and secure fit of the action against the stock, contributing to the rifle's overall accuracy and performance. While achieving the recommended torque for the front screw may be challenging, it is crucial for getting the best out of this rifle.

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