"Exciting" times with a Ruger M-77

by Hoot , Diversityville, Liberal-sota, Thursday, September 06, 2012, 08:11 (4463 days ago)

I picked up a tang-safety M-77 in .25-06 a while back and finally got around to shooting it over the weekend. The cartridges I have are from a while back for another quarter-bore (given to my daughter) and they are quite long due to the throat on that rifle. Chambering was tight but not unreasonable.

The first shot didn't. I felt/heard the sear release, then nothing...no bang, no more movement possible in the trigger. I dropped the rifle off my shoulder and just barely started to lift the bolt and got a surprise when it went off.

With an empty chamber, the cocking, firing and safety all function as expected.

Another cartridge was tried and everything worked as it should. A third repeated the first performance...but I was ready this time.

I disassembled the bolt but can see nothing of note.

I reseated a couple of bullets deeper and that had no effect (didn't really expect any). Further live fire has been discontinued.

I believe this has the original adjustable trigger. Can any trigger adjustment produce this kind of result?

Any other ideas?

As always, thanks!