After following all the leads from the previous post, I poured over all the websites and dimension charts. About the lowest a fella can go with dedicated No. 1 rings was the .500" medium rings from Ruger. So, I decided to do a little measuring and fitted some 1" rings to the rifle and perched the 30mm tube on top of the lower ring half. Some industrial strength rubber bands completed the "installation", holding everything in place. I could then check for operation, clearance and asthetic appeal.

The low Ruger rings set the scope about .410" above the quarter rib and gave plenty of clearance and looked about right. The medium rings were about .100" higher but offended my sense of beauty and balance.

Back to the dimension charts we went. What was discovered was a Millett front ring for a M-77 was .397"---lower than anything else. So, two sets were ordered. That'll get me a couple of low rings and some higher "spares".

Thanks to all for the earlier help.