Early 1S .45-70 markings

[chet15]

Number One Collectors...
At what point in time did Ruger change the barrel marking on the 1S .45-70 from ".45-70" to ".45-70 Govt."?
A non prefix example I just saw is marked only .45-70. That gun looks like every other 1S .45-70 that I know of that is without wraparound checkering on the forearm, so shipped moderately late (at least 1971?) for a non-prefix gun.
Chet15

 

[El Numero Uno]

Generally, the first 1S in 45/70 shipped in August of 1970, with a prefix serial # at about 130-018XX. Random non prefix numbers also show up with this production/ship dates. Can't help with when the "Gov't" was added. None hade the wrap around forearm checkering, but all had the Mershon pad and the first checkering pattern on the grip.
How are first No.3's marked?
CLN

 

[chet15]

Generally, the first 1S in 45/70 shipped in August of 1970, with a prefix serial # at about 130-018XX. Random non prefix numbers also show up with this production/ship dates. Can't help with when the "Gov't" was added. None hade the wrap around forearm checkering, but all had the Mershon pad and the first checkering pattern on the grip.
How are first No.3's marked?
CLN

I believe they are all marked ".45-70 Govt.".
Need a two digit to confirm.

 

[GRAMPS 51]

I have a #3 not a 2 digit but early has the blind screw and metal butt plate #130-50956 stamped 45-70 GOVT. no . in front

Gramps

 

[chet15]

Hmmm...there are surely some others on here who have a non-prefix .45-70 Number One or even an early 130- example?
Chet15

 

[gewehrfreund]

I finally found the pictures of the very early 130-prefix (same as the non-prefix guns, by all accounts) 45-70 that I used to own. It clearly shows the caliber stamp as "45-70". Hope this helps.

 

[rowdy1972]

I have two 4 digit 45-70s. There both marked 45-70. The only others I have are Liberties and there marked Govt.

 

[chet15]

Looks like the change in caliber marking for the .45-70 occurred between 130-02829 and 130-12442.
Thinking the change might have coincided with the introduction of the Number 3 in that caliber.
Chet15

 

[mr.deerstalker]

Chet15,

if your talking about the gun I got, you can post photos if you want. Always willing to share our great finds.
Scott

 

[chet15]

Chet15,

if your talking about the gun I got, you can post photos if you want. Always willing to share our great finds.
Scott

Your gun brought up the thought that somewhere Ruger changed the caliber rollmark from ".45-70" to ".45-70 Govt.".