Ridge Runner said:
Blackmore said:
So Cabela's is calling the "U", "*", "S" (for second) or whatever-this-year's-term-is guns Ruger sells them "refurbished" now?
I do not understand what you mean???
Many years ago Ruger had a program where they marked guns - that had for example; been to SHOT or the NRA show, had pix taken for a catalog, salesman's samples, cosmetic blems, returned and repaired but customer was given a new gun - with a "U" before the S/N. This was later changed to a "*".`Finally, they stopped marking them at all and just kept track of serial numbers and put a big "S" on the box (see below). Each month there was a used gun list. These were sold at a generous discount first to employees and then 4 particular FFLs. The program was originally set up by Mr. Ruger, Sr. and continued after his death and Junior's leaving the company. About three years ago under the current mgmt., 3 of the FFLs lost the privilege. Now most of the guns go to Cabela's with one remaining FFL getting a chance at the list, too. Employees can now buy guns more frequently transferring through an FFL of their choice. I'm unsure if they buy off the list or get new guns or both.