Just got my replacement stainless .44 special

[robertkirksey]

I sent my stainless .44 Special in for some problems and was told the frame was so far out of spec. that it could not be repaired and needed to be destroyed. I was pretty disapointed. I liked the fact that it was a low number gun, 520-20326. The revolver they sent is 520-24705, which seems like it might be quite high for a stainless gun.

Could you guys with stainless guns let me know how mine falls in the serial number range? I asked them to check out my new gun before it was shipped and I believe they did since it is very well fitted. I'm not sure this is an off the shelf gun as the envelope with the fired case has no date or signature, only two initials, has anyone run across an envelope with no date or signature before?

Oh, by the way, this is the 4 5/8 Flattop model.

Thanks in advance for any information, Robert.

 

[Eliminator]

That is great customer service! I have several Rugers and all have dates and signatures on the envelopes.

 

[batmann]

Same gun as yours and mine is pretty good. Ser # 226xx

 

[chet15]

The earliest I've had reported is 520-20243.
So there's good news and bad news.
The good news is that your gun wasn't among the first 10 produced.
The bad news is that it may be among the first 100 produced.
Chet15

 

[robertkirksey]

Chad, I think the operative word is WAS. 520-20326 is probably in a scrap bin with the frame sheared in half. I was told the trigger pivot pin hole was drilled .009 off and the "frame taper" was a whopping .012 off. The cylinder was so badly out of alignment the bullets were peening the left edge of the forcing cone.

At least the replacement is a very fine revolver. I am thinking it may be one of the last ones made in stainless. What is the highest known stainless? As I said, mine is 520-24705. Robert

 

[chet15]

Yours is the highest I've noted so far, but then I don't get too many reports from folks either.
Would have to agree though that if Ruger just sent that gun to you, its probably near the end of their 1,000 gun run.
Chet15