Back in 1977, before the internet forums, e-mail, cel phones, etc.. One of my "bibles" was The Shotgun News. I always scoured it cover to cover when it arrived, hoping to be the first one to find that rare Ruger variation. And then, after I found one, hoped I'd be the first person to call and snag it. I acquired a lot of my collection that way.
Anyway, on one particular day in 1977, I was browsing through the pages of the latest issue that the Postman had, just a few minutes earlier, placed in my mailbox, and came across a small ad that described a new Ruger book for sale called "Ruger Blackhawk Revolvers in .357 and .44" by H. W. "Bill" Ross. As a budding new Ruger collector, I just had to have this, so I immediately got out my check book, and ordered it (via USPS First Class letter.)
A short time later, the new Ruger tome arrived. I was very surprised when I opened it up, and read the inscription that the author had penned on one of the first pages. I'll let the pictures below tell the rest of the story.
I wonder whatever became of serial #'s 1 - 9 ???
Reed
("Harvey" is actually my first name, but I've always been known by my middle name.)
Anyway, on one particular day in 1977, I was browsing through the pages of the latest issue that the Postman had, just a few minutes earlier, placed in my mailbox, and came across a small ad that described a new Ruger book for sale called "Ruger Blackhawk Revolvers in .357 and .44" by H. W. "Bill" Ross. As a budding new Ruger collector, I just had to have this, so I immediately got out my check book, and ordered it (via USPS First Class letter.)
A short time later, the new Ruger tome arrived. I was very surprised when I opened it up, and read the inscription that the author had penned on one of the first pages. I'll let the pictures below tell the rest of the story.
I wonder whatever became of serial #'s 1 - 9 ???
Reed
("Harvey" is actually my first name, but I've always been known by my middle name.)
Thanks for posting.
