Thanks mossy33oak. I've seen several of your inputs on various subjects and they seem to be right on the money. I even referred back to you on one issue regarding someone buying a Ruger #1. Ruger has an outstanding reputation and makes a fine rifle as well as handguns. That is probably the main reason I bought the 77/50 without having the time to research it. Our gun shows are two day shows and I usually go on the first day and have the time to research something I like then go back on the second day to make an offer if they still have it. However, a broken ankle only allowed me the one day and I had to act fast since the next show isn't until March. I didn't even know Ruger made muzzleloaders until I saw this one. I saw it was an M77 style and I couldn't figure out why the barrel was so big until I examined it and found it was a muzzleloader. The only other reason I hesitated for awhile was it is a right handed bolt and I'm a Southpaw. But I figured I'd only get one shot anyway and I really liked where the safety was located making it extremely accessible to my left thumb which I use on all of my rear tang saftey firearms anyway. This Ruger was new in the box, unfired, has a black composite stock, stainless steel, came with Ruger stainless scope rings, #11 nipple, a lock, and the guy had the 209 conversion kit included. And you are correct, the kit is made in France since the instructions are in two languages with one being what looks like French to me. I got every thing for $225.00 because the guy said Ruger has discontinued making muzzleloaders and he didn't want to get stuck with it. He also had two others in wood, one having a straight stock while the other had a curved stock similiar to a mini-14 that were even better deals but I wanted stainless and they were blued.

Thanks again