Gun question: Ruger M77 .358 Winchester

[N80]

I've been a hunter as long as I can remember but I'm not all that interested in guns. I have the guns I need and don't really want any more. Which is to say I'm not a gun guy. My Dad was a gun guy. He has severe Alzheimers now though so I can't consult him any more. My mom is ready to have his few remaining guns out of the house and my brother and sister are not interested in them. I'll sell some and will keep some.

The one I'm curious about and will probably keep is an older (at least 25 years old, tang safety) Ruger M77 in .358 Winchester. Dad loved this gun and it is very accurate within its range. I've got wild pigs on my place and it seems perfect for that job. I have heard the cartridge is hard to come by but I have 3 boxes of new cartridges and 100 rounds that were hand loaded by a very meticulous loader so I'm good for cartridges for a while.

I guess the main thing I'm curious about is the value of the gun for estate purposes. It is in good condition and is in a high quality fiberglass stock. The original wood stock is also with it. I've done a cursory Google search but cannot find much info or prices for this gun. Any info or references would be appreciated. I can always get it valued at some of the local gun shops but would prefer not to have to resort to that much leg work. Thanks.

 

[Gator6x4]

A couple of thing for you to review:

1. MODEL 77R
- .22-250 Rem., .220 Swift, 6mm Rem. (disc.), .243 Win. (disc.), .250 Savage (disc.), .257 Roberts, .25-06 Rem., .270 Win., 7x57mm, 7mm-08 (disc.), 6.5mm Rem. Mag. (scarce), 7mm Rem. Mag., .280 Rem., .284 Win., .308 Win. (disc.), .30-06, .300 Win. Mag., .338 Win Mag., .350 Rem. Mag., or .358 Win. cal., long or short action, blue finish, 5 shot mag., 3 shot in Mag. cals., 22 or 24 in. barrel, available with integral bases or round top, some models supplied with sights, stock is checkered walnut with red rubber butt plate, approx. 7 lbs. Mfg. 1968-92.
Grading 100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60%
$420 $395 $325 $265 $245 $200 $200

Last MSR was $558


2. Ruger Model 77 .358 Win.

Description: Price: $549.99

Manufacturered: 1978

Metal Condition: Excellent

Wood Condition: Very good with scratches and small dents

Bore Condition: Excellent

Barrels: 22 inch

Stock: Pistol grip stock

Stock Dimensions: 13 5/8 inch LOP

Butt Pad: Ruger red rubber pad

Weight: 7 lbs. 12 oz. with scope

Sights: Weaver K4-1 scope

Item Location: Lehi, UT

 

[Bigfoot62]

Gator gave you some good info.

The only thing that I would ask is, what about the stock?
Depending on what you're calling a "high quality fiberglass stock," it could add some to the value. For example, if it's a H-S Precision, they cost about $400 new. https://www.hsprecision.com/shop2/stocks/pss.html

 

[chesaw]

The .358 77 ruger will bring a higher price in most area's, fewer
were made in this cal. Ammo should not be a concern, you can use a
expander die on .308 brass and make your own.
Good luck
Wayne

 

[bullbreaker]

The .358 77 ruger will bring a higher price in most area's, fewer
were made in this cal. Ammo should not be a concern, you can use a
expander die on .308 brass and make your own.
Good luck
Wayne

Yes also these are availiable Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Ammunition :: Rifle :: Choose by Caliber :: 358 Win .
I hear the same thing about my 444 marlin ammo getting scarce but buy plenty when I need it.
I'am not a re-loader though have friends into it big time $$.

Boone

 

[N80]

Thanks guys. Gator, not sure why I couldn't dig up that reference but that is perfect and about what I expected in terms of price.

The .358 is a bit of a puzzle. It was never popular and subsequently not many rifles got chambered in it which in turn makes those rifles less common and more valuable!

Anyway, I like the this gun. Our property is heavily wooded and we rarely get shots longer than 150 yards. Dad used this gun a lot and it would drop a deer like at sack of cement. I think it will make a perfect hog gun.

 

[bullbreaker]

I like the .358 W almost bought one once in a Browning BLR.

Mystery of the .358 Winchester

Boone

 

[N80]

Yes also these are availiable Hornady Manufacturing Company :: Ammunition :: Rifle :: Choose by Caliber :: 358 Win .
Boone

Going through some of my Dad's papers I found a letter signed by Mr. Hornady in reply to a letter my Dad wrote them asking which size bullet would provide best short range expansion for whitetails. His response was the 200 gr bullet. He was right.

 

[RobertN]

Ken Waters had an interesting write up in "Pet Loads" back when. Also found this web article

The 358 winchester - a true hunters cartridge - Gun & Game - Gun Forum Community