The Ruger 77/17 is a bolt-action rifle chambered in .17 WSM with an American walnut stock and a blued receiver. The cold hammer-forged 20-inch barrel has a 1:9 twist rate and no factory iron sights — the receiver is drilled and tapped for optic mounting. At 5.70 lbs it's a light, handy small-game and varmint rifle. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Model: Ruger 77/17 
• Caliber: .17 WSM 
• Capacity: 6+1 rounds 
• Barrel Length: 20 inches 
• Overall Length: 39.25 inches 
• Weight: 5.70 lbs (91.2 oz) 
• Action Type: Bolt Action 
• Safety Mechanism: Three-Position Safety 
• Twist Rate: 1:9" 
• Stock Material: American Walnut 
• Finish Color: Blued receiver with stained polished stock 
   

Detailed Features 

1. Cold Hammer-Forged Barrel: Consistent bore dimensions and improved durability over a cut-rifled barrel. The 1:9 twist stabilizes .17 WSM projectiles across the velocity range. 
    
2. Three-Position Safety: Allows loading and unloading with the bolt locked. Useful for field carry. 
    
3. Drilled and Tapped, No Iron Sights: Optic mounting is straightforward with standard Ruger ring mounts. Most owners add a scope before shooting. 
    
4. American Walnut Stock: Stained and polished. Traditional appearance that distinguishes it from synthetic-stocked competitors. 
    

Target Audience 

 
Small game and varmint hunters who want a light, accurate rifle in a flat-shooting caliber. The .17 WSM's velocity makes it well-suited for prairie dogs, squirrels, and similar targets at distance. Also works for casual target shooters who want something different from the common .22 LR. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Small Game and Varmint Hunting: .17 WSM's velocity and trajectory make it effective at distance with minimal wind drift relative to slower rimfire cartridges. 
• Target Shooting: Accurate enough for precision work at 100 yards and beyond. 
• Field Carry: At 5.70 lbs and 39.25 inches overall, it's comfortable to carry for extended hunts.

Ruger 77/17 owners are generally positive about the rifle's accuracy. The .17 WSM caliber is praised for its flat trajectory and light recoil, and the cold hammer-forged barrel contributes to consistent shot-to-shot performance. The walnut stock receives good comments for appearance and feel -- it's a traditional look that attracts buyers who find synthetic stocks less appealing.

The bolt action and magazine feeding are described as smooth, with few complaints about reliability.

Ammo availability is the main practical concern. .17 WSM is a niche cartridge compared to .17 HMR or .22 LR, and it can be harder to find at retail. Cost per round is also higher than more common rimfire options. Both factors are mentioned in purchase discussions as trade-offs against the caliber's performance advantages.

Most buyers treat it as a specialized tool for a specific purpose rather than a general-use rimfire, and satisfaction tends to be high when the expectations match the use case.