FS 1956 .357 Flattop -price reduction

[black029]

This has the wavy matte front sight and base (base measures 1/4") of V 1, but has a concave or dimpled ejector button, typical of V2, I believe. Could be a transition model? Not opposed to having someone jump in and supply the actual classification.
It has the more curved trigger of that early era. The stocks are virtually perfect, no flaws of any kind, and the Eagles are 95%. Some spots and minor wear on the grip frame, but no boogered screws. The steel has retained the deep blue it was born with, and no plum, oddly enough. Just some very minor wear on the front of the cylinder, left side of muzzle, some in the notches.
Nicely timed, excellent trigger. No box, or papers.
Update: Called the Ruger records department today and was informed this revolver shipped in Feb of 1957. MAY add some credibility to it's being a pure Variation 1, with a Variation 2 ejector rod installed before shipping. Guess we'll never know for sure.

Asking $900, shipped. ONE TIME ONLY REDUCTION TO $850. Not going lower, will either keep it or visit Gunbroker. Thank you

First "I'll take it" posted here, gets it. PMs are welcomed, but, again, the first to jump on it on the main Forum, gets it. If it comes to that.

 

[tommygun]

If my eyes are not failing me, It is #3954 and this would be a type 1. It probably has had the the EJHR button changed. Any other thoughts? Very nice gun.

 

[black029]

Could be that. Came to me just the way it is.
I suspect it is as I suggested, a "tweener" . Transition piece.
But I really don't know.

 

[mike722]

The transitions don't kick in until around number 7000, so it has most likely had the rod changed.. UNLESS it happened to ship real late, like the fall of 56/etc..

 

[H-marlin]

I have a 44 flat top w/ serial number 39xx and it has the dimpled button also. Trigger is flatter however.

Yours is nice and about the same condition as my 44, I'm debating if mine needs a little brother.

 

[scramjet]

Very nice gun, excellent condition. I wish I didn't see this I need some breathing room.

 

[black029]

Book I have concurs with the 7,000 SN range for the change to the dimpled button, but it seems odd that the "original" serrated ejector button had to be replaced during the two year period that saw the use of the dimpled one, and not during any other of the nearly 56 years of it's life
But maybe so.

 

[BC Mike]

The transitions don't kick in until around number 7000, so it has most likely had the rod changed.. UNLESS it happened to ship real late, like the fall of 56/etc..

Given the excellent overall condition of the gun how likely is it that someone would change the rod? What would be the purpose?
Mike

 

[americal]

The transitions don't kick in until around number 7000, so it has most likely had the rod changed.. UNLESS it happened to ship real late, like the fall of 56/etc..

Given the excellent overall condition of the gun how likely is it that someone would change the rod? What would be the purpose?
Mike

+100 Gun is a high % gun 8) JMHO that flattop left the factory with that dimple button

 

[cubrock]

The transitions don't kick in until around number 7000, so it has most likely had the rod changed.. UNLESS it happened to ship real late, like the fall of 56/etc..

Given the excellent overall condition of the gun how likely is it that someone would change the rod? What would be the purpose?
Mike

The same reason the factory changed the design - people found the original ejector rod hard to use.

Also the same reason Premier had a market selling round loading gates for flatgate Single Sixes.

Personally, I wouldn't be surprised it left the factory in either configuration, but my guess would be someone replaced the ejector rod.

 

[tommygun]

Yup small serrated button makes your finger sore, however it is obvious that this gun was not shot a lot. Can't imagine it was chnged for that reason.

 

[cubrock]

Yup small serrated button makes your finger sore, however it is obvious that this gun was not shot a lot. Can't imagine it was chnged for that reason.

I've seen like new Flatgates with premier loading gates and ejector rods. I don't see how condition plays into it. Someone may have liked the looks of the dimpled rod better. Who knows? Either way, it is a very nice gun. I wish he and I were on the same side of the state.

 

[black029]

Probably doesn't play into it, but tommy has a point: why bother, if you really don't shoot much?
Ah, could spin this round and round, to no conclusion.
Am I on the wrong side of the state ?

 

[cubrock]

Probably doesn't play into it, but tommy has a point: why bother, if you really don't shoot much?
Ah, could spin this round and round, to no conclusion.
Am I on the wrong side of the state ?

I'm in Hickory. If we were local to one another, I'd be having a serious discussion with you about your gun.

BTW - no disrespect intended about your gun. I really like it.

 

[tommygun]

I am pretty serious about BKH3's. There can be a fudge factor when it comes to serial number ranges. But The dimpled button was not introduced until like 4000 #'s later. As a collector, I would not consider this gun to be shipped that way. JMHO!!!! My apolgies to the seller. He did ask for input. It is a nice gun for sure!!!!

 

[black029]

Tommy, thanks for your thoughts.
Cubrock, we can still talk.

 

[RugerHound]

It's a very nice piece... I'd call the records folks and see when it shipped. That could well tell the story, since we know that other lower-numbered Type 1's shipped late and ended up with dimpled ejector rods & other 'transition' bits.

 

[black029]

On my "to do" list for tommorow, time permitting.
Should have already done it.

 

[black029]

Bump, with updated info.

 

[black029]

Bump with reduction

 

[Ale-8(1)]

FWIW, Bob's List reveals that many guns shipped in February of 1957 have the dimpled ejector rod button. Good chance this one is "correct". I'd certainly not argue the point.

JMHO