Found another 44 FT

[Robb Barnes]

A few weeks ago I posted a question about factory ivories on old model flat tops. I was considering bidding on a 6 1/2" 44 that supposedly was unfired and came with factory ivory grips. As you know, this accessory would not be found on the original invoice and several of the experts here thought that they were probably after market ivories due to the serial number on the backs matching the gun (not standard for Ruger) and because the emblems appeared to be placed too far back from the front edge. Once I had the gun in hand I tok the calipers and compared the emblem placement on this gun to the placement on my other 44 flat tops and they are in the same place as the wooden grip panels.

The gun does appear unfired but someone did improperly lower the hammer on at least one occasion so there is a faint line where the bolt contacted the cylinder. Overall I am pleased with the gun and the ivory grips are as nice as any of the other ivories that reside in the safe.

I even like the palindrome serial number.

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

Emblems are simply in the wrong location. Panels are not factory. Is a good looking package.

 

[COR]

Great looking gun...Too much fuss is made on that cylinder line anyway. OM or NM for that matter. I understand the proper handling of an OM I just don't really care about little things that don't affect how it shoots. You have a great looking piece that will serve you well for many years...Thanks for sharing that info on the medallions for us non collector types.

 

[don44]

Very nice. Looks good to me.

 

[cellar701]

Very nice. Love those 44 flattops, and that one looks like a nice one.

 

[flatgate]

Nice shooter! Real Ivory Grips? Wow!

It appears a previous owner had trouble with "base pin retention"....

flatgate

 

[americal]

A nice flattop :!: like that PLUM-- GATE 8)

 

[Robb Barnes]

The fact is it is not exactly the gun it was said to be as far as condition, the marks by the base pin latch like Carl pointed out, and panels go but that is a chance you take in both buying off one of the auctions and in not being enough of a collector at heart. That is fine with me though. If it were a true pristine example with factory grips I couldn't keep it anyway! Now I just have a family of FT's in 5 1/2", 6 1/2" and 7 1/2".

Never fear guys, if it does descide to go down the road it's actual condition will be well disclosed to any potential buyers.

Oh and SPLITZ, I know the emblems look to be in the wrong place and I know they are NOT factory but looks are deceiving in this case. While the emblems look to be set too far back, it is an illussion from the bevel on the edge and the fact that they are all one unifor color. They really do mic out to match the location of both the 7 1/2" factory guns in the safe.

 

[sixshot]

Very nice Robb, you should have been a detective as you seem to be able to find anything!

Dick

 

[street]

The fact is it is not exactly the gun it was said to be as far as condition, the marks by the base pin latch like Carl pointed out, and panels go but that is a chance you take in both buying off one of the auctions and in not being enough of a collector at heart. That is fine with me though. If it were a true pristine example with factory grips I couldn't keep it anyway! Now I just have a family of FT's in 5 1/2", 6 1/2" and 7 1/2".

Never fear guys, if it does descide to go down the road it's actual condition will be well disclosed to any potential buyers.

Oh and SPLITZ, I know the emblems look to be in the wrong place and I know they are NOT factory but looks are deceiving in this case. While the emblems look to be set too far back, it is an illussion from the bevel on the edge and the fact that they are all one unifor color. They really do mic out to match the location of both the 7 1/2" factory guns in the safe.

What you need to understand is, that the Walnut grips have the emblems set at a different location on the grips then what the Factory Ivory and Stags do. If the Ivory emblems match the Walnut grips that you have for the XR3 grip frame then that is wrong for factory grips!!! Splitz is correct when he says they are not Factory Ivory Grips!!!

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

Robb, your Family needs it's tall Brothers, the 10" 357 and 44 magnums 8) :wink:

 

[gunman42782]

Factory grips or not, I love it! Looks great. Shoot it and enjoy it.

 

[Robb Barnes]

Well Street I learned another new thing today about grips. I did not know the emblems for the ivory and stags were placed in different locales than the walnuts. The original post in the gallery section a week or so ago had the comment that the emblems were too far back. My point was that while I KNOW they are not factory, they are the same distance back as the walnut ones. They look farther back than they truly are due to the bevel and the color. I guess that is why I like converting rather than collecting, life isn't quite as anal that way. :lol:

 

[street]

Well Street I learned another new thing today about grips. I did not know the emblems for the ivory and stags were placed in different locales than the walnuts. The original post in the gallery section a week or so ago had the comment that the emblems were too far back. My point was that while I KNOW they are not factory, they are the same distance back as the walnut ones. They look farther back than they truly are due to the bevel and the color. I guess that is why I like converting rather than collecting, life isn't quite as anal that way. :lol:

This is a great looking Flattop, and Ivory grips, factory or not are still "IVORY GRIPS". This gun is a great find, have fun shooting it.

 

[Brules]

This is a great looking Flattop, and Ivory grips, factory or not are still "IVORY GRIPS". This gun is a great find, have fun shooting it.[/quote]
I agree 100%, great find...beautiful ivory grips.

 

[flatgate]

IMHO, these are indeed some of the Ivories Ruger had made by their supplier. Note the medallion placement and the way the medallions were staked.

flatgate

 

[Robb Barnes]

You guys are right, the ones on the gun are not factory. They are thicker with more of a bevel on the edges and smoother finished on the back side. I'll post some picturs of them once I round up the camera.

Thaks for the help and education guys.

Take care,

Robb

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

Robb, I think you have been cuffed around and beat up a bit on this deal. Not my intent at all. Sorry if it may have appeared so. Some of us have been in this maelstorm for a long time(since about '66, with some form of seriousness, and an H prefixed Bearcat in 1958.) As a result, we seem to be a bit less diplomatic and give direct answers and opinions. I, in my younger days, would have chased the gun you bought. However, my battle history is vast, I have some ivories, tho not factories like Carl's, and I am grateful for a fairly vast accumulation. Yes, I do harp on "the Books", as they have grown in number, bail a guy out and never cost AS MUCH as the mistakes made without knowledge. Keep up the good fight, My Friend. 8)
MIKE

 

[Robb Barnes]

Shoot, not a problem Mike. I knew I was risking getting what I did buying off a picture. I am a pretty simple minded guy, if it is something I like the looks or design of, I will try to get it if I can. I have just taken a liking to ivory grips in the last year or so and have been very fortunate to snag several pairs. I understand perfectly the concerns and straightforward words of the collector stalwarts. There are enough guys who try to pass stuff off in this world for something being what it is not to cause red flags from many of the more informed. Shoot, I guess to me the money part of it isn't that important try and take somebody but I know there are others of a different mind so I appreciate the guys who know the nuances better than I do being willing to share their knowledge. Regardless of the edge some like to put on that knowledge! :lol:

Take care,

Robb