1973 New Model Blackhawk???

[Deadeye Tom]

Hi All, glad to be here after years of Ruger ownership.
I have a quick question if anybody knows. What is the story on New Model Super Blackhawks that were shipped in 1973? I know that the Web Site list the New Model as 1974 and lists the first Serial Numbers as 81-12xxx, but I recently bought a nice example with S/N 81-117XX New Model with High Polish blue. Ruger verified that this umit shipped as a New Model in December of 1973, and I have now seen another example of a NM even earlier.
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Deadeye Tom

 

[dougader]

Sometimes you have overlapping serial numbers in all of the various models. If anyone would know the exact story off the top of his head, it would be Chad who publishes RENE, The Red Eagle News Exchange.

Chad posts here fairly often and RENE information is here:

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=30544

 

[chet15]

Hi All, glad to be here after years of Ruger ownership.
I have a quick question if anybody knows. What is the story on New Model Super Blackhawks that were shipped in 1973? I know that the Web Site list the New Model as 1974 and lists the first Serial Numbers as 81-12xxx, but I recently bought a nice example with S/N 81-117XX New Model with High Polish blue. Ruger verified that this umit shipped as a New Model in December of 1973, and I have now seen another example of a NM even earlier.
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Deadeye Tom

Ruger's dates of manuacture web page is meant to only be a general reference. Sometimes guns will get shipped years (and even decades!) later than they should have been.
Chet15

 

[flatgate]

I know that the Web Site list the New Model as 1974 and lists the first Serial Numbers as 81-12xxx, but I recently bought a nice example with S/N 81-117XX New Model with High Polish blue. Ruger verified that this umit shipped as a New Model in December of 1973, and I have now seen another example of a NM even earlier.
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Deadeye Tom

The NM Super would have "in general" began at s/n 81-00000 in mid to late '73 and ran until s/n 81-117XX by "Christmas Break" in '73. '74's production would have BEGAN with s/n 81-117XX.

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[Deadeye Tom]

Wow, thanks for all the quick replys you guys. I think I get it. So the 81- prefix will probably indicate a NM, but may not mean much to the ship date? By the way I own Bearcat F800. Just an FYI.