Looking for Info Getting Started in Ruger Collecting

[Marvin Gardens]

Hello all.

I am a Smith & Wesson collector of many years. I believe I have an eye for quality and condition and am I guess, a collector by nature.

Over the last three decades I've built up a nice collection of Smiths, mostly pre-war, including K-22's, K-32's, Registered Magnums, and .44 Specials.

My situation is that I enjoy buying guns and putting collections together. My problem is that I seem to be getting priced out of the market. I'm seeing premium examples of .44 specials priced at the $20K mark, I am looking at a new direction. I have always liked Rugers. The only "collectable" one that I own is a Buckeye 32-20 that is still NIB, having purchased it years ago.

I am considering starting to sell off my S&W's and put together a collection of flat top Rugers and was wondering if someone could recommend a list of reading material and references? I live in California so I think sticking to single actions and long guns (I like #3's) makes sense as I can buy them without issues. Something that would give me an idea as to prices would also be appreciated. I did find a site for the Ruger Collectors Association and am going to submit an application this week.

Thanks
Bob

 

[BlkHawk73]

Start here: http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=30544

 

[RugerBoi]

:D First Welcome Mr. Gardens to the Forum. Second get yourself to one of the threads on here that lead you to the Red Eagle News Exchange. Get signed up there and you'll get your everyday reference. Then buy the books. Mr. Ruger and His Guns (a nice leather one to collect) and one to read and re-read by Mr. R.L. Wilson. Look in the classifieds here as there are many good references passing through regularly...many of them collectible in their own right. There usually is at least one on sleezbay. Then raid the piggy bank and join the club. RB

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Excellent advice. BlkHawk73 has linked you to the RENE information. It's the single best source of Ruger collecting information extant.

Welcome to RugerForum.

:)

 

[flatgate]

Welcome to Ruger Forum!

Well, right off the top I'll recommend four specific items.

#1 Subscribe to the Red Eagle News Exchange. E mail the Editor for info.
CHRugers (at) AOL (dot) com.

#2 Join the Ruger Collectors' Association Click Here

#3 Buy R.L. Wilson's Ruger and His Guns. Amazon, perhaps?

#4 Purchase John Dougan's latest book on the early Ruger handguns. Click Here or surf up to this thread.... http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=27098

Of course, you ARE at the right place on the Internet for lots of good information, as well. Feel free to post questions in the appropriate sections or even send PM's or emails to me.

Again, I'll say Welcome to Ruger Forum!

flatgate

PS Flattops, eh? Oh, boy!

:D

 

[BlkHawk73]

Adding a #5 to the above post...just follow flatgate's lead.

 

[contender]

Another "Welcome to the Forum!" here!
Now,, Flatgate has pretty much nailed the major things you need to do. There are MANY books on Rugers & collecting them,, and the minimum set are the ones he referrenced to. In fact,, those are the ones we use the most. But,, there are other books as well,,,
Chad Hiddleson has published an excellent book on 22 semi's as well as Don Findley's book on the 22 semi's. I mention them due to the excellent collecting info in them to accompany the others. Lots of good stuff that pertains to all Rugers,, not just SA's.
And as always,, you can post all kinds of questions here,,,!

 

[Marvin Gardens]

Thanks so much for the kind responses and advice. It is very much appreciated.

As of 11:01 PM Pacific, I am the Ruger Collectors Association's newest Life Member.

I e-mailed for info on the Red Eagle News Exchange.

Will start looking for books mentioned tomorrow. Are any of the leather-bound copies of these books still available?

Thanks again.
Bob

 

[flattop44]

Marvin, welcome to the RF and glad to have you as the newest member of the RCA!! Just let me know if I can be of any assistance to you in any way.
Thanks much, Bill

 

[radicalrod]

Hey Marvin, WELCOME.....YES Bill has been very helpful to me on many an occasion.....though NOT always good for my wallet.....BUT I am a willing participant :D :D :D He always seems to have just what I think I "NEED" :lol: :lol: :lol: and as luck would have it....he SPECIALIZES in 44's :o :o :o Happy Hunting.....see ya RR.

 

[SteveRuger]

Well Marvin you are not the first to move away from S&W's to Ruger's! Welcome to the forum.

 

[rugerguy]

marvin, indeed ,welcome to the Forum, and all good info above...if you are "into" S&Ws' then you must know 'Doc 44'.....he is our leader over at the S&WCA, of which I too belong, and I've helped him on occasion with some of his 'transformation' of 'collecting Rugers...NICE guy...............
good luck, and the same goes for me, if you need or want anything in particular, let us know, as there are LOTS of different things that come our way at the various shows , as well as locally from other Ruger collectors, some are verifiable and others are "in the closet..."

 

[radicalrod]

Hey Dan, I won't ask if you don't tell what "in the closet" means???? :D :D :D see ya RR.

Marvin. Dan AKA Rugerguy is also a great Ruger resource.....he has more found guns in "other peoples collections" than we will ever know about......RR.

 

[Marvin Gardens]

Thanks guys.

I've got both books ordered. Looks like I've got some studying to do. I appreciate all the offers of help. I need to get some reading done so I can come up with some questions.

Thanks again.

Bob