chet15 already has these in the Ref, but I have two .44 flattops with XR3-RED grip frames.No, that's generally the date associated with when Ruger started putting XR3-RED grip frames on the last of the flattops.
They are 29141 and 29842
29141 shipped very late, in August 1963, it must have been held back or misplaced for a good while since the .44 flattop was generally out of production in late 1962.
29842 shipped in December 1962 and is interesting because it has the unfluted cylinder used on Super Blackhawks. This one is also interesting because it is just 18 digits away from the highest known (29860) .44 flattop, so they must have been using whatever parts they had available.
Those are both 6.5" barreled guns. Neither one is boxed and both show a good bit of use, but they are what they are.
I've had them both longer than I've had decent cameras, and these are the only pics I can find:
And my apologies for the hijack as well, but I figured if you let @JAYDAWG get away with it, why don't I give it try too
