458 ruger help?

well I figured this would be the best forum to ask, since you guys use these big guns on those BIG critters!

anyway, I've had ALOT of help from Llamapacker( thanks a ton again), and I'm still trying to get more info.

all the gun says is Ruger M77 .458 magnum
serial number is 73-71***
having trouble deciding if it's the M77 RS, M77 Safari magnum, or someone's project where they put a safari barrel on a regular m77.
(Llamapacker, feel free to correct me if I messed that up)

heres a bunch of pictures





what do you guys think?

i think i will copy this and also put it in the gun forum, but i figured this group might have a better chance of dealing with this type of gun

As I already told hanginmeat, the safari magnum rifles are not tang safety model 77's, at least in my expereince. The safari magnum I own uses a longer action, and the action is clearly labeled Magnum. It does appear to be a safari barrel in his pictures above, with the barrel band (should be a sling swivel under the band) embedded in the stock. Also, every safari magnum I have ever seen had a black forend tip.
Guys, correct me if you know different, but I think this is a project gun put together with a different barrel, or maybe Ruger made a few 77s with leftover safari magnum barrels.
Bill

hey Llama- check out my post in the "guns" forum
http://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID22/3162.html

read the post from "deadibob" about number 4 or 5 or so.

Great information that Answers are questions.

again I sure appreciate your help, deadibobs help, along with with the others who have helped.