#1 RSI production dates

[Clark]

I recently subscribed to RENE and Chad sent me my first issue and the "Reference of Ruger Firearms". My head is spinning with all this information!

At this point my interest lies with #1 RSI rifles and I was hoping that the Reference would clear up some of my confusion and while it has helped I'm still a bit stumped. From what I gather the production of the RSI #1 started in 1970 but I'm not sure about that. If that is the case then there should be zero non-prefix #1 RSI rifles out there.

I also cannot figure out when production of the different calibers started or stopped. Maybe I'm not familiar enough with the Refence but does anyone have an idea on the dates for different calibers?

Clark

 

[El Numero Uno]

The RSI was not introduced 1970; 1983 was the introduction year as a catalog model. To figure all that stuff out, you need a complete set of catalogs for the last 40+ years. If you don't have a Clayton Ruger No.1 book, that is a good place to start.

 

[chet15]

The earliest sn I have noted in the reference is 131-03175, which normally should put that gun at a 1977 manufacture date. However, Ruger's serial numbers do not run in serial number order day after day. There are many cases where a receiver finally gets used, then goes out the door and often this can be years or even decades before the guns are finally shipped.
Chet15

 

[Clark]

Thanks for the replies. I'll have to check out Clayton's book, interlibrary loan should save me from paying through the nose for one of the few used copies that are out there.

The actual dates of production are much different than I thought! And now that I've looked through the Reference more I see Chad that you do list several of your earliest known RSI S/N.

131-03175 = .243, '77 manufacture date
131-04031 = .270, shipped in 3/87
132-64021 = 7x57, '85 manufacture date

At this point we can say that the above calibers and 30-06 were probably all first shipped sometime during the 1980's and beyond that it is anybody (except Ruger's) guess?

Clark

 

[Nazrat]

Does this help any?

I has a red butt plate.

 

[rowdy1972]

I have a 270 RSI that has a 130 prefix...action must have been in the back of the bin!

 

[singleshot]

Here's a couple early boxes with the 132 prefixes, both red pad rifles..

I started searching for RSI's a couple years ago, not particularly years of production, just the rifles. The books that you've listed, folks here and some information on the Yahoo Ruger Group is what I've found as the best resources. I'd be very interested in what you find out in your journey.

 

[SHOOTER]

I always thought a RSI in 223 would be a great walking rifle.