H-s
1977 was a benchmark year for the High Standard company. It was the year that manufacture was moved from their Hamden facility to a smaller plant in East Hartford where production began on June 11, 1977.
I mention this because the move to the East Hartford plant is generally considered to mark the beginning of the decline of the company. There was, shall we say, a fall off in quality. The general advice is to avoid guns manufactured in East Hartford, though the initial production was probably just as fine as at Hamden.
What does the gun say on it's side? Hamden or East Hartford. In any case, as a 1977 gun, it is probably a good shooter; it's resale value might be affected a bit if it is stamped East Hartford.
Note - about Rugers and High Standards. With all due respect, there is no comparison (though, yes, the Rugers are very accurate). I own both guns for many years, have shot both in many competitions. The trigger and the grip make the difference. Even with a trigger job and extras on the inside, my Ruger Mk.II Gov't comes in second to my H-S Victor. I like'em both and shoot them both a lot but the High Standard goes on the higher shelf.
Pete