357 Flat Top

[maduecehb]

3 screw 357 Flat Top 4 5/8" bbl. / black plastic grips / 9mm cylinder / 90% blue / a few pin prick rust spots on 357 cylinder / slight turn line on 357 cylinder, no turn line on 9mm cylinder / 5xxx serial number /
Were the cylinders marked and value of this firearm please?

Thank you,
Steve

 

[hittman]

If it's truly flattop in the 5xxx range, I don't think convertibles were made.
If it's the protected site version I think serials began in the 103xxx range.
More clarification needed on what you have.

In fairness, I am NOT the single action guru so hope others will chime in directly.

 

[contender]

NONE of the Ruger Flattops from 1955 until 1963 had a factory 9mm cylinder. Someone has added one.

I can't recall immediately if the early FT's had the face of the cylinder marked with the last 3 digits of the serial number,, but I don't think they were.

As to values,, a LOT depends upon the actual condition of the gun. A 4 digit 5xxx numbered gun would be a Type 1 of the FT .357's. A minty conditioned one could be worth about $1100 or so. BUT,,,,,,,,,,, with rust freckles & turn line it will not be worth that much. Very detailed pics of just the gun, and especially any place showing ANY wear, or marks helps determine values.
A spare 9mm cylinder, that can fit an OM,, is worth about $125-$150 if in excellent condition.

 

[chet15]

No... cylinders for the .357 weren't marked with the last three digits of the serial number probably until 1967 when the 9mm convertibles came out.
Chet15

 

[maduecehb]

 

[Hondo44]

That is a well used example in the $400 range plus $150 for the 9mm cylinder.

You might get some premium for it being a type 1 if you sent it to Ruger for a factory refinish, takes two weeks maximum. But disclose to potential buyers of course.

Unless you install a transfer bar retrofit action kit, if you send it back, Ruger will do it and stamp an R on the bottom of the frame under the trigger guard.

Re-install original action parts when you get it back.

 

[Johnnu2]

IMHO, that gun needs no refinishing...... it states it;s character with grace and dignity and will out-shoot and outlast us all just as it stands. Pls. don't let RUGER disgrace it with their "safety installation"; simply load 5 vs. six. (Load first round, skip next chamber, then load 2,3,4&5.)
BEAUTIFUL GUN
IMHO,
J.