I just bought a new Ruger M77 MkII and wanted to take the bolt out. However, (and I know this makes me look stupid) I'm not sure how to. I un screwed the screw holding the piece that keeps the bolt in. As soon as I took it off the bolt came out. But I feel sure there is a way to get the bolt out without unscrewing this screw. Right? Or am I doing something wrong?

The ruger m77 mk2 is simply an "improved" mauser 98 design. You will see a lever on left rear (right handed rifle)of reciever. All you have to do to remove bolt is pull out the lever on left rear of reciever and hold it out while withdrawing bolt out of reciever to rear.

HA HA HA HA HA! I had the same "problem" with my 7 mag the first day at the range, took me a good 15 minutes to figure it out! Ruger makes an excellent bolt and I personally love that feature! Child proof!

On a new gun I'd take the bolt apart and degrease it as itcan cause misfires in sub-zero weather.It has happened to both myself and a hunting buddy but the cause was a factory weak firing pin spring.We had both replaced with a aftermarket Wolffe springs thatare much stronger.I've seen new out of the box Model 70's that had a bad spring and wouldn't fire.If you have the factory caveman proof trigger pull get a smith or someone that knows what they're doing stone it down to 3.5-4 lbs and you should be in buisness.My son just wacked a bear with his 77 in 25-06 and got 4ft of penetration with a 120gr HP Hornady handload.I've owned a 77 in .338 for near 25 years now..............Harold

He's having a problem with the safety feature.

I finally fixed it. The screw that holds the bolt release on was not flush and it was holding the release down. I adjusted it (pushed back the spring to reset it) to be flush with the release and now it will release the bolt with ease. I felt so dumb. But I knew something wasn't right. It was probably my fault for tinkering with it right out of the box.[:@]That's just how I roll. Gotta take it apart to see how it goes together.The trigger feels o.k. to me right now but I'm taking it to the range today and will see how she does.

Big - Just a bit of advice without (hopefully not being sarcastic), but with a new firearm with a design that you are not use to, the user's manual is a source of just about everything you need to know. I suggest you read it before 'tinkering' with it. It should have a section on disassembly. If you don't have a manual, you can get one from Ruger. I don't mean to come off as an ***hole - just some friendly advice.

Naw it's cool man. I learned my lesson. I'm just glad I didn't screw it up. lol I sat down after I got it back in order and read the manual cover to cover. I wouldn't take it worng. My wife got on to me for it too. "You just got it and you've already broken it? It's made of metal. How did you break it?........." I just got humbled. We all need that from time to time.