Early Single Six... 1954

[Unconverted]

Here's an old one I saw today so I snapped some photos. The serial number may be popular with Italian collectors!

 

[daveg.inkc]

That Ruger needs the Flatgate put back.

 

[GRAMPS 51]

Hi looks like a Premier gate that gun looks to be in very nice shape was it for sale or in someones collection

Gramps

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Would have been much better if those scribbles were inside, hidden by the grip panels, but it's still a really nice old piece. :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[contender]

Nice old Flatgate,, that needs the gate fixed,, and a new g/f that isn't all scratched up. Plus,, it has some of the reddish color peeking out in a few spots,, that many of us find attractive.
I had to look at my list to check that number too!
Nice one!

 

[rugerguy]

yeswwir, that is a NICE gun, and appears by the LONGER gate to be the 'Premiere' version...as for the markings on the bottom of the grip a "
piece of cake" to simply remove ( buff out) and hit the flat ONLY with a quick spray of something like Brownells 'Alumahide' , we have done this HUNDREDS of time for folks over the years cheaper than buying another XR-3 frame.......and have even seen recently one the shop north of us did in flat black Cerocoat...looked awesome

Again, that is a NICE gun :wink:

 

[Unconverted]

Hi looks like a Premier gate that gun looks to be in very nice shape was it for sale or in someones collection

Gramps

Hi Gramps,

My friend currently has it. I let him know years ago that it was a rare one. He showed it to me again yesterday and I asked if I could share photos here. I should have tried to take a couple photos outside because I thought I could remember seeing a lightning strike when I first saw it.

Unconverted

 

[BDM1]

Your single six and i were born the same year. Your single six looks to have aged better than me!!

 

[Unconverted]

I called Records for fun. It shipped in April 1954. The invoice isn't available though.

 

[BDM1]

And i was born in April, wow, what a coincidence!

 

[Unconverted]

And i was born in April, wow, what a coincidence!

Nice!

 

[SteveRuger]

My old eyes are not as good as they used to be but the medallions in the grips look kinda shiney the 1954 thru 55 were a dull matt finish. J/S
Love the coloring on the frame!

 

[chet15]

That Ruger needs the Flatgate put back.

I see a Premier ejector button as well.
Chet15

 

[daveg.inkc]

I’m not an expert by any means. I thought a 1954 model came with a flat loading gate. I have read where the gates could be swapped out.

 

[chet15]

Yes, Ruger Single-Sixes came were shipped with flat loading gates up to March 1957.
A company called the "Premier Weapons Company" from California produced a contoured gate and Colt style half-moon button ejector rod as a retro. When Ruger saw that he figured he better get on the stick and put a contoured gate on his gun right from the factory. The public obviously wanted it.
Chet15

 

[Unconverted]

I went back and took some photos outdoors to showcase the frame colors. I especially like the first photo.

 

[Unconverted]

Big thanks to all who helped out by posting information on this thread.