357 max barrel length

[Hillbilly Jim]

I know there was two barrel lengths, but which length was most common? Does anyone know how many of each length was mfg?
Thanks

 

[Ale-8(1)]

RENE shows 4670 of the 7-1/2" version and 4577 of the 10" shipped thru 1983. That makes 9247 guns. Serial numbers go up thru 16314, but it is thought all above 11445 were scrapped after production ended in 1984.

Looks like around maybe 5500 of each actually shipped . . . maybe.

 

[flatgate]

Technically it's 10.5 inches.........

flatgate

 

[Coogs]

There were less than 10,000 shipped. With the #'s I've recorded over the years, my records are running about 45% ish (+/-) 7 1/2" made. At one time, 11300 was the highest number out there, then along came 11445. I'll bet next week, because of this thread, it may be higher! Coogs. :mrgreen:

 

[Ale-8(1)]

"Technically it's 10.5 inches"

Indeed it is.

"There were less than 10,000 shipped."

Not certain that's documentable. We see numbers of 11300 and 11445, and even 16314.

"Because of this thread, it may be higher!"

Very, very likely. However, we also know Ruger didn't always ship everything the numbers would indicate. So we're doing our best to speculate in an informed manner.

Whatever, there aren't a lot of these out there. Many of them disappear into "custom shops" every year for conversion into various proprietary chamberings and other "restyling" efforts.

 

[Hillbilly Jim]

Many thanks to all the replies. Great info from the experts!
I am sorrry to learn these great pistols are being used for custom projects. On the bright side it increases the value of the unmodified originals.

 

[flatgate]

On the bright side it increases the value of the unmodified originals.

flatgate

 

[mohavesam]

I am sorrry to learn these great pistols are being used for custom projects. On the bright side it increases the value of the unmodified originals.

Still, many of the knowing are using them for their intended purpose. One of the best whitetail handguns made. From an autumn tree-stand or still-hunting in a snowy hardwood swamp, it's a venison-maker without peer!

:!: :!: :!:

 

[Coogs]

Depends on who ya talk to about that 10,000 number, I happen to agree with it. And serial #16314 DOES NOT exist...............it did at one time....... :mrgreen: :mrgreen: Coogs.

 

[jimbo1096]

Coogs- now you have to tell the rest of the story on 16314

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Yeah.

C'mon . . .

 

[Coogs]

Oh........................if you only knew!!! Soon, soon, Coogs.

 

[Hobie]

The cartridge is great in the TC Contender, too!