I bought this first year production Ruger 77/22 yesterday. The rifle had some work done. Bedded action, free floated barrel, trigger job, barrel chopped threaded to 16.50".
Attached FileI put a Redfield 2 X 7 X 32 of about the same vintage on it.
The thread protector was not long enough so I put a brake on it I had pulled from a 12" Ruger Charger barrel I had bought. It serves the purpose of both protecting the threads and gives the barrel a more aesthetically pleasing look at 20.50" installed.
LOL....It looked sorta weird with the shorter barrel till I screwed the brake or my can on it.
BTW....I used Millett 11mm angle lock .22 rings with the scope. They fit the Ruger proprietary ring slots perfectly and are very secure. I used them on a 77/22 .22 magnum I used to have and never had any issues. It's a good option to get away from the over-built and blocky looking Ruger rings and at about half the price.