ALCOA Grip Frame Question

[Tip]

Is the "C2" stamp on my 1970 Alcoa grip frame a date stamp, by chance?

 

[rugerguy]

that was a later die marking used by Alcoa, as it is obviously an 'XR3-Red ( redesigned) frame from the 1960's...................

 

[El Numero Uno]

I am believing the C2 is a mark of the Alcoa Casting Plant it was made at. The early XR3's have a G, and I know they were done at Garwood, NJ

 

[contender]

I'd about bet that's a "G" & not a "C".

 

[Tip]

I'd about bet that's a "G" & not a "C".

Thanks for the feedback, gents...
I'm thinking you're right, Contender.
Now, I'll have to look. It's purely a minor question, but I'm always curious about minutiae.

Speaking of which, does the "3" on the cylinder face signify anything?

 

[Tip]

Okay... Now, that I posted the pic, it looks like an "S".

 

[rugerguy]

yep, that is a 'proof ' mark, and can be found on either end of the cylinders, and later on there may be "extra" numbers, the last 3 digits of the guns serial number, started on the 'spare' (extra) cylinders and eventually are on BOTH cylinders, mostly on the front ,but again, can be seen on the rear ...

 

[Tip]

yep, that is a 'proof ' mark... started on the 'spare' (extra) cylinders and eventually are on BOTH cylinders...

Rugerguy,
Would there be extra cylinder on a .41 Remington mag? (I hadn't mentioned the caliber, previously, I don't think.)

 

[contender]

No spare cylinders in any other caliber for the 41 Mag Blackhawk.
What Dan was referring to was how Ruger started proof marking the cylinders & then adding the last 3 digits of the frame serial to keep cylinders mated to the respective frames.

 

[Tip]

Thanks, Contender.

And, yes... as you suggested, the stamp is a "G".

Thanks, all.