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Looking at a possible purchase. Any information about the collectibility of this model, specifically the tube fed version. Anybody have experience with shooting one? Do you like them? I have heard the firing pin can break, so how available are parts? Thanks
I have one of each, but I have never fired either one. They do say, however, the tube magazine gun is more desirable. It usually runs about $50 more than the box mag. type. I have also heard they both have a tendency to jam a lot. Big Larry
Welcome to the WACA Forum!
The 77 has not become very collectable (yet) except for the pristine examples. As time marches on I am sure that will change though. There were more clip fed versions produced than the tube fed version so that drives the price up a bit.
Regarding shooting them, the tube fed version seems to jam a bit less often than the magazine version. The main problem with using them is they are a “dirty” gun and need to be cleaned fairly frequently which is another reason for the jamming, they get gunked-up quick. Another problem is that to do a full take-down cleaning i.e. remove the bolt, the barrel must be removed first. There are also a number of small parts which can be easily lost or reassembled backwards which can cause function problems.
Even with these issues they are still a good choice for a plinker as they are accurate, well made, are grooved for tip-off scope rings and, except for the trigger guard, they are good old fashioned blued steel and walnut.
I have not heard of the firing pin problem but parts are readily available.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
The 77 is (are) great gun. The blowback action requires the 22 ammunition to be high power and the bullet to be of over 36 grains. If not the gun will stove pipe . If you have the time, a little dressing up of the action will greatly improve its reliability. Disassembling the 77 is easy and dressing up the bolt and the rails upon which it rides gives reduced friction and less places for the residues of the 22 ammo to gumup the works. Unless you figure out how much to reduce the mass of the bolt in order to use the lighter grain bullet use the best for the gun. Experiment you will find what your gun likes both for accuracy and function. That’s half the fun. I love shooting the 77, in fact its my granddaughter’s favorite semi auto.
Vince. Winchester 22 collector
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
I also have one of these fine 1950’s rifles in excellent condition, tube fed. It also has the B6 scope. Very accurate for me with no feed problems.
Hello friends, I have some issues with my model 77 with 7 rounds magazine, the firing pin was broken, i mean is shorter and it wasn’t able to fire the bullet, It only does a little mark in the rim of the cartridge, i would like to know what is the length of this part, just the distance from the top of the pin to the base of the square part where the pin is welded or inserted. I know this part is shorter than the firing pin ejector but i don’t have the exact length in mm. Thanks for the data if someone know it. This is a interesting forum.
Vic2201 said
Hello friends, I have some issues with my model 77 with 7 rounds magazine, the firing pin was broken, i mean is shorter and it wasn’t able to fire the bullet, It only does a little mark in the rim of the cartridge, i would like to know what is the length of this part, just the distance from the top of the pin to the base of the square part where the pin is welded or inserted. I know this part is shorter than the firing pin ejector but i don’t have the exact length in mm. Thanks for the data if someone know it. This is a interesting forum.
I will check my parts inventory, I think I have a firing pin to measure. Will check when back from hunting.
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
I have had one since late 50s and have probably fired a million rounds through it with never a problem. I have lost the safety, however and would love a replacement.
For a semi-auto .22 the Model 77 is one of my favorites, and I prefer the tube fed magazine also over the detachable magazine, mainly because I don’t like the design of it.
Definitely a dirty gun but disassembly to me is easy and I have completely disassembled mine several times and never had to remove the barrel ever. I try to use quality ammo and not the various off brands that are known for a lot of dirty ammo.
Also as one stated need high grain round for proper blowback operation. Other than that she is a great .22 in my opinion.
Mine is also from 1957 if I recall.
Dave
WACA #10119
NRA Member
In the past I had a Model 77 with the clip magazine.It did jam a lot,but was quite accurate .
My dad gave me the 77 back around 1956. It’s tube fed. The rifle is still very accurate with iron sights. Jams happen however copper plated CCI and Aquila seem to feed the best and I’ve never had a jam with that ammo. Numrich seems to carry an extensive parts inventory. Due to sentimental value I’ll never get rid of it.
Dad bought a used 77 in the 50’s. I hunted with it a lot. Very accurate! Never a jam or problem of any kind . It is tube fed. I still have and love it.
There’s a nice box magazine Model 77 for sale with 3 magazine ($70 value each) on GA. https://www.gunsamerica.com/943836004/WINCHESTER-MODEL-77-SEMI-AUTO-22-LR-w-3-MAGAZINES.htm
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
Vince said
There’s a nice box magazine Model 77 for sale with 3 magazine ($70 value each) on GA. https://www.gunsamerica.com/943836004/WINCHESTER-MODEL-77-SEMI-AUTO-22-LR-w-3-MAGAZINES.htm
Thanks for the heads-up but the magazines shown in the photos are not original Winchester and the aftermarket magazines (unmarked floor plates) are not worth $70 each and typically have feed problems. Other than the non-factory mag(s) it looks like a nice specimen.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Nice catch. I didn’t have time to look at pictures…. haven’t had time to even look at my own collection. Getting ready for winter.
Vince
Southern Oregon
NRA member
Fraternal Order of Eagles
“There is but one answer to be made to the dynamite bomb and that can best be made by the Winchester rifle.”
Teddy Roosevelt
Vince said
Nice catch. I didn’t have time to look at pictures…. haven’t had time to even look at my own collection. Getting ready for winter.
Yep, know the feeling…….
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
How many rounds does the tube model 77 hold ?
Allen Michler said
How many rounds does the tube model 77 hold ?
The tube version holds 15 rounds, the magazine version holds 8.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Greetings…
I just recently inherited a model 77 .22 tube fed. There is no date stamp, no serial number. So I’m guessing it’s pre-1968.
The only barrel marking I can see is what looks like a J with a small 5 above it on the left side of the barrel.
Anyone have any idea what year it was made?
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