Ruger M77 ejector pin won't retract

[crfount]

Help! Out here in deer country and discovered that the bolt on my older Ruger M77 (safety on tang, not MK II) won't shut with a cartridge in place. Seems that the ejector pin remains extended, thus preventing extractor claw from seizing the rim of the cartridge so I can't get that extra 1/8 inch to lock the bolt. Yes, it serves me right for ignoring this rifle for ten years while I hunted in slug gun territory, but self-blame aside, any suggestions on freeing this situation?
Thanks.

 

[sniper58]

I had the same problem with one of my rifles.
A couple of drops of Kroil or a good penetrating solvent, let it soak for a few minutes, then use a flat-tipped punch and gently tap it a few times to break it loose. Once it's freed up and working, remove the retaining pin and clean out the ejector hole, ejector rod, and spring.
A drop of "BreakFree" every once in a while helps too

 

[crfount]

Thanks - I'll give it a try and report back