Love the early 77/22's, not so much the newer ones. The "paddle" stock I could never live with on any firearm. I'm an old guy stuck in his old skol rut I guess. I simply don't like anything but solid wood on my rifles (I'm not a big fan of the laminates either). It ought to be a shooter though, and one that will "weather" the hurricanes well.
Bought my 77/22RS and the Burris Compact 2-7 new at the same time in 1985. Was to be a truck gun so I wanted it compact. Can't imagine how many thousands of rounds (or ten's of) have been put through it since, how many meals it has provided over the years yet it's still as good as new. Almost upgraded to a custom stock on it a couple of times, even thought about having one of the exhibition blanks I have done for it. Decided it was overkill as still just a stock rifle other than the trigger job I did on it when new. It was pretty much retired when the 17 rimfires came along - never got out of the safe much after that. Not good, I really love this little rifle.
It's a switch barrel now, I bought a GM fluted 17HM2 barrel for it. The Burris is not enough scope for this barrel, but I'm still undecided what glass its going to wear next. Kind of want to keep it compact, so was thinking of putting one of my old as the hills but still mint steel Weaver 3-9's on it. But not enough scope for the 17HM2 either though, and all the extra target scopes I have are huge and would be out of place on this rifle. So now I'm thinking the NIB Leupold 4.5-14X40 Matte Wide Duplex RE VX-III I bought for a new Win 70 FW Deluxe 243WSSM bought years ago that I've never even taken either of out their boxes. Probably a better choice, still compact enough for this rifle, and it would be enough for the 17 barrel.
This picture was probably taken about a dozen years ago when I was still shooting it regular. Always had my old model Ruger Super Bearcat just stuffed in a back pocket too when I hiked with it.
