The Ruger 77/17 Walnut Bolt Action Rifle: Precision and Heritage for the Modern Marksman

When the pursuit of precision meets timeless aesthetics, the result is often something truly exceptional. The Ruger 77/17 Walnut Bolt Action Rifle stands as a testament to this philosophy, offering discerning shooters a blend of classic design, robust construction, and pinpoint accuracy. Designed to excel in a variety of shooting scenarios, particularly for varmint hunting and precision target shooting, this rifle is a cornerstone for anyone seeking reliable, high-performance rimfire capabilities.

For hunters and sport shooters who demand consistency and ethical performance, especially when targeting small game or varmints at extended rimfire ranges, the Ruger 77/17 chambered in .17 HMR offers a compelling solution. Are you looking for a rifle that can consistently put rounds on target, whether it’s a distant prairie dog or a tight group on paper? Do you value the enduring appeal of a genuine American walnut stock coupled with the rugged reliability of a bolt-action mechanism? If so, this rifle, readily available at DEGuns, is engineered to meet those exacting standards.

Why the Ruger 77/17 is the Ideal Choice for Precision Rimfire Shooting

The Ruger 77/17 is more than just a rifle; it's a precision instrument built for performance. Its design integrates several key features that contribute to its outstanding accuracy and user experience.

• Unparalleled Accuracy for Varmint Hunting and Target Shooting: The core appeal of the Ruger 77/17 lies in its ability to deliver consistent, tight groups. This accuracy is paramount for varmint hunters who need to make clean, ethical shots at varying distances, often in challenging field conditions. For target shooters, it means tighter scores and the satisfaction of mastering precise shot placement.
• Reliable Performance in the Field: Whether you're facing crisp morning air or a dusty afternoon, the rifle's robust construction ensures dependable operation. Its mechanical simplicity and quality materials mean fewer malfunctions and more successful outings.
• Classic Aesthetics with Modern Engineering: The American Walnut stock offers a timeless look and feel, providing a comfortable and secure grip while adding a touch of elegance that many shooters appreciate. This classic appeal is paired with modern manufacturing techniques to ensure both beauty and durability.
• Ease of Use and Safety: From its intuitive safety mechanism to the seamless scope mounting system, the Ruger 77/17 is designed for straightforward operation, allowing shooters to focus on their target, not their equipment.

Exploring the Advanced Features of the Ruger 77/17

Exceptional Barrel and Receiver for Pinpoint Accuracy

One of the most critical components for rifle accuracy is the barrel, and Ruger employs advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure superior performance.

• Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: The 20-inch cold hammer-forged barrel is a hallmark of Ruger's commitment to quality. This process involves hammering a barrel blank around a mandrel, resulting in:
  • Ultra-precise rifling: This ensures consistent bullet spin and trajectory, leading to exceptional accuracy.
  • Enhanced longevity: The cold forging process work-hardens the steel, making the barrel more durable and resistant to wear over time.
  • Easier cleaning: The smooth, uniform bore profile reduces fouling buildup, simplifying maintenance and preserving accuracy.
  • Optimized Twist Rate: With a 1:9" RH twist, this barrel is perfectly matched to stabilize the high-velocity, lightweight projectiles typical of the .17 HMR cartridge, ensuring maximum aerodynamic efficiency and terminal performance.
• Integral Scope Mounts: Precision shooting necessitates a stable optics platform. The Ruger 77/17 features integral scope mounts machined directly onto the solid-steel receiver. This innovative design eliminates the need for separate scope bases, which can be a source of looseness and inaccuracy.
  • Stable Mounting Surface: The direct-machined mounts provide an exceptionally stable and rigid foundation for your optics.
  • Eliminates Potential Looseness: By removing an interface point (the base), Ruger minimizes variables that could lead to scope shift or inaccuracy in the field.
  • Scope Rings Included: For added convenience and value, a set of Ruger's proprietary scope rings are included, ensuring a perfect fit and immediate readiness to mount your preferred optic.

Robust Action and Ergonomic Design

The heart of any bolt-action rifle is its action, and the Ruger 77/17 boasts a design built for reliability and smooth operation.

• Solid, Heat-Treated Alloy and Stainless Steel Actions: The receiver is crafted from solid, heat-treated alloy steel, ensuring rigidity and strength for consistent performance. This robust construction provides a stable platform for the stainless steel bolt.
• Rugged Stainless Steel Bolt with 90° Bolt Lift: The bolt itself is constructed from durable stainless steel, designed for smooth cycling and longevity. The 90-degree bolt lift provides ample clearance for large scopes and allows for quick, positive manipulation during rapid follow-up shots.
• Ultra-Fast Lock Time: A fast lock time, the period between trigger pull and the firing pin striking the primer, is crucial for accuracy. The Ruger 77/17's design minimizes this delay, reducing the potential for shooter-induced movement to affect shot placement, especially critical for precision shooting.

User-Friendly Features for Enhanced Control

Beyond its core accuracy components, the Ruger 77/17 integrates thoughtful features to improve the overall shooting experience.

• Three-Position Safety: Safety is paramount, and the Ruger 77/17's easily accessible three-position safety provides distinct levels of security and control:
  • Full Safe (Lever fully rearward): Locks both the bolt and the trigger, preventing any movement or discharge.
  • Middle Position (Lever partially forward): Locks the trigger but allows the bolt to be operated. This enables safe loading and unloading of the rifle with the safety engaged, a significant advantage for field use.
  • Fire (Lever fully forward): Allows the rifle to be fired.
  This intuitive design ensures peace of mind and operational flexibility for the shooter.
• Detachable Rotary Magazine: The unique detachable rotary magazine is a hallmark of many Ruger rimfire rifles.
  • Unique Rotor for Reliable Feeding: The internal rotor design separates cartridges, preventing rimlock and ensuring smooth, reliable feeding into the chamber.
  • Flush Mount with Stock: The magazine mounts flush with the rifle's American Walnut stock, eliminating any protrusions at the rifle's balance point. This contributes to comfortable carrying and handling, without snagging on clothing or gear.
  • Capacity: The magazine holds 6 rounds, providing ample capacity for most varmint hunting scenarios or target practice sessions.
• American Walnut Stock: The stock material is not just about aesthetics; it contributes to the rifle's feel and performance.
  • Classic Beauty: The rich grain of American Walnut offers a timeless and elegant appearance that will appeal to traditionalists.
  • Comfortable Handling: Walnut provides a natural, warm feel in the hands, offering a secure grip even in varying conditions.
  • Durability: Properly cared for, a walnut stock can last for generations, resisting dents and scratches through robust use.
• Sling Swivel Studs: Included as standard, these allow for easy attachment of a rifle sling, essential for comfortable carrying in the field, especially during long treks to hunting grounds.

The .17 HMR Cartridge: A Perfect Pairing for the Ruger 77/17

The Ruger 77/17 is chambered in .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire), a cartridge renowned for its blistering velocity and flat trajectory, making it an ideal match for this precision rifle.

• Blazing Velocity: The .17 HMR is one of the fastest rimfire cartridges available, often exceeding 2,500 feet per second (fps) with lightweight 17-grain bullets. This high velocity translates to a very flat trajectory, simplifying holdover calculations at longer ranges.
• Flat Trajectory: Compared to other rimfire cartridges like the .22 LR or even the .22 WMR, the .17 HMR exhibits significantly less bullet drop over distance. This characteristic is invaluable for varmint hunting, where targets can appear at unpredictable ranges and precise aim is critical.
• Exceptional Accuracy: The small, pointed bullets used in .17 HMR ammunition are inherently aerodynamic, contributing to the cartridge's impressive accuracy potential. When paired with the Ruger 77/17's cold hammer-forged barrel, this combination can produce sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with quality ammunition.
• Low Recoil: Despite its high velocity, the .17 HMR produces very little recoil, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods without fatigue. This low recoil also minimizes disruption to the shooter's sight picture, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and better observation of bullet impact.
• Ideal for Varmints: The cartridge's performance makes it devastatingly effective on small varmints like prairie dogs, groundhogs, squirrels, and rabbits, providing clean, ethical kills at ranges far beyond the effective reach of a .22 LR. It also serves as an excellent training round for precision shooting skills due to its similar trajectory characteristics to centerfire cartridges at scaled distances.

Who Will Benefit Most from the Ruger 77/17?

The Ruger 77/17 Walnut Bolt Action Rifle caters to a specific demographic of shooters who prioritize accuracy, reliability, and classic design.

• Serious Varmint Hunters: For those who spend countless hours controlling pest populations or simply enjoy the challenge of precision shooting at small targets, the 77/17 offers the speed, accuracy, and reliability needed to succeed. Its flat trajectory is a game-changer for hitting small, distant targets.
• Precision Rimfire Target Shooters: Whether competing in rimfire benchrest matches or simply striving for the smallest possible groups at the range, the inherent accuracy of this rifle and cartridge combination will satisfy the most demanding target shooters.
• New Shooters Learning Marksmanship: The low recoil of the .17 HMR combined with the rifle's inherent accuracy makes it an excellent platform for learning fundamental marksmanship principles without developing a flinch from heavier recoiling firearms.
• Collectors and Enthusiasts of Classic Firearms: The American Walnut stock and traditional blued finish evoke a sense of heritage that appeals to those who appreciate finely crafted firearms with a timeless aesthetic.
• Hunters Seeking an Ethical Small Game Rifle: For clean, humane kills on animals like squirrels, rabbits, or even coyotes at closer ranges, the .17 HMR provides ample energy and precision.

Caring for Your Ruger 77/17

To ensure the longevity and continued accuracy of your Ruger 77/17, regular maintenance is essential.

1. Barrel Cleaning: After each shooting session, especially after firing many rounds, clean the barrel thoroughly with a solvent specifically designed for rimfire rifles, followed by patches and a bore brush. This removes copper and lead fouling that can degrade accuracy.
2. Action Cleaning: Keep the bolt and receiver clean and lightly oiled. Remove the bolt, wipe away any residue, and apply a thin coat of quality gun oil to moving parts.
3. Stock Care: The American Walnut stock should be protected from harsh chemicals and excessive moisture. A light application of a good gun stock wax or oil can help preserve its finish and protect the wood.
4. Magazine Maintenance: Periodically clean the inside of the rotary magazine to ensure smooth feeding.
5. Storage: Store the rifle in a cool, dry place, preferably in a padded gun case or cabinet, to prevent rust and damage.

The DEGuns Advantage: Your Source for the Ruger 77/17

When considering an investment in a high-quality firearm like the Ruger 77/17, choosing a reputable dealer is just as important as choosing the right rifle. DEGuns is proud to offer the Ruger 77/17 Walnut Bolt Action Rifle, providing customers with not only this exceptional firearm but also:

• Expert Knowledge: The team at DEGuns possesses deep product knowledge, ready to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision.
• Reliable Service: From secure online transactions to dependable shipping, DEGuns ensures a smooth and professional purchasing experience.
• Comprehensive Selection: While focusing on the Ruger 77/17, DEGuns offers a wide array of firearms, accessories, and ammunition to meet all your shooting needs.

The Ruger 77/17 Walnut Bolt Action Rifle, with its blend of classic aesthetics, robust engineering, and unparalleled accuracy, represents a significant investment for any serious shooter. Whether your passion lies in precise varmint control, challenging target shooting, or simply owning a beautifully crafted firearm, this rifle is poised to exceed your expectations. Experience the difference that Ruger quality and DEGuns service can make.

Ruger 77/17 Walnut Bolt Action Rifle Specifications

Feature	Detail
Model Name	RUGER 77/17 WALNUT BOLT ACTION RIFLE
Stock	American Walnut
Sights	None
Barrel Length	20 inches
Material	Alloy Steel (Receiver)
Twist Rate	1:9" RH
Magazine Capacity	6 Rounds
Finish	Blued
Weight	5.7 pounds
Overall Length	39.25 inches
Length of Pull	13.50 inches
Grooves	6
SKU	7217
UPC	736676072170