Ruger M77 Tang 257 Roberts Value?

[Ledd Slinger]

My best friend asked me about the value of a rifle his brother in law wants to sell. It is a Ruger tang safety M77 in 257 Roberts. The following paragraph is the advice and info I gave him, but not sure if it's all sound info. Please help me out here on determining a value. Thanks.

I told him that it all depends on the rifles condition (of course) and its production year. I have always been led to believe that producton years of the M77 tang from early-mid 70s to early 80s had questionable quality control which hurts the value. He did not have the serial number for me to determine the year, but said the rifle is in very good condition. I also told him that even though the 257 Roberts is a highly desirable caliber to some collectors with older production rifles in original condition, the value may be reduced since Ruger continued offering the 257 Roberts chambering in the Mark II model and still offers it today in its current Hawkeye model.

I guessed that rifle in good condition might bring around $500. Is that a good guesstimate? Or am I off a bit?

 

[JRS]

They have a minor cult like following, and you are correct about certain problem years. The barrels were very poorly made. Value will depend on the year of manufacture. Good luck

 

[IdahoSharpshooter]

$450 to $500, condition is everything. I would want to shoot it first to see how the barrel is.

 

[Tommie]

A Ruger collector would probably be very interested in the rifle. But as a shooter, many of those barrels were real junk (as previously mentioned).

 

[CJ6]

See what they've been going for on GB.

 

[searcher]

I have a Ruger .257 Roberts (ultra light model - is what I think they called it?), was built early to mid 80's when I bought it. If there was a bad year, I'm not sure which it is. Mine shoots well enough to still wear a factory barrel. The .257 Roberts model should command a higher premium than other calibers- though those that don't ask for it don't get it. The problems I have seen with the numerous and various caliber Rugers I have owned that were built in the 80's were that they often shot factory ammo somewhat poorly. Then again - maybe it was because we didn't have as good of factory ammo back then. When hand loaded with what they like - it was an entirely different story. The barrels of mine look like a gravel road (but not as bad as my Savages), though it doesn't seem to affect the accuracy of them. I have an early 80's .243 varmint that shot 5 shots under .10" with V-Max bullets. I am still amazed. If the gun is a safe queen and looking new - $500.00 would be easily attainable if not low. The last Blue Book I have is from 2019 and a 100% gun was around $550.00 to $600.00 I'd have to believe it is higher now. His gun is probably a 77R or 77RS