Maximum Buyback/Trade-in Program?

[Coogs]

Most of ya know I am kinda into the Maximum, a little! Well, after Max production ceased in 1983, yes 1983, there was supposedly a buyback/trade-in program. For years I have heard the rumor that if ya sent a Max in they would send you a Super, or, the would buy it back at full retail, I know that actually did happen, as the gentleman @ Ruger that instituted that was fired by WBR. He was pretty high up the food chain as WBR hired him back after a couple weeks or so, musta just been kind of a symbolic thing.
So, what the deal is, I am looking for someone, out there, that was actually involved in this program, if there is such a person. If the gun and/or paper work would be available, I'd really be interested if you would be willing to part with it. Even if your not willing, please contact me as I would love to know about it!
I have this posted on a couple of other forums............hope to find someone soon, thanks for lookin', Coogs.

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

I do not have any hard copy in the files, only the factory press kit from the Amber Estate, which includes glossy 8 1/2 by 11 photos........I recall the reported letter offering a replacement firearm if one returned the Maxi.......

 

[Chief 101]

I know this isn't what you were looking for and you likely have a copy but here is an April 1983 letter from Ruger.

 

[powder smoke]

Chief Interesting letter, Thanks for sharing. ps

 

[Coogs]

Still lookin.................anybody? anbody out there? Coogs.

 

[Coogs]

As long I am on the subject of Maxi's, some of you out there have been kind enough to foward me you Max serial #'s. I appreciate that very much! Any one can PM or e-mail me a # and barrel length. All correspondence strictly confidential. I'm trying to establish 7 1/2" and 10 1/2" production #'s. If anybody knows their shipping/manufacture date please include it, thanks, Coogs.

 

[Coogs]

Back from the land of Red Stripe, Red Stripe beer that is! took the wife down to Jamaica for 10 days for her birthday. Happy birthday to her! Hopefully didn't miss much........was hoping to get a little more input on my Max questions while I was gone.....so I'll bump this up. To those of you that sent me e-mails and pm's, thanks! I probably won't get around to responding until after the Stilllers win the Bowl!!!!!! Great to be home, Coogs.

 

[chet15]

A lot of folks don't know that the front sight heights were also changed on the Maximum's for both the 7-1/2" and 10-1/2" lengths. Would eventually like to get a breakdown of where this occurred.
Chet15

 

[Coogs]

That is one of the reasons I've been recording serial #'s. I haven't pinned it down yet.............and yet again, prbably never will, there is the ole' "parts bin" theory, ya know. Coogs.

 

[UmpquaCharlie]

Coogs I have two 10 1/2 can't remember if you have the numbers. Should I just resend?
Charlie

 

[Coogs]

Charlies, yeah go ahead, I can't seem to find any #'s associated with you, thanks again, Coogs.

 

[Chief 101]

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=44%20Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun
See if this site is of any assistance...

 

[chet15]

That is one of the reasons I've been recording serial #'s. I haven't pinned it down yet.............and yet again, prbably never will, there is the ole' "parts bin" theory, ya know. Coogs.

The ones I took note of were on John Debrucque's Maximum display at one of the early Monroeville theme shows. He had all four variations there. The early Maximum front sights were taller than they needed to be, on both the 7-1/2" and 10-1/2". BNM7 #600-01181 has a high front blade and BNM7 #600-04448 has a short blade. For the BNM-10, sn 600-03503 had a high blade and 600-03421 is noted as a short blade, so guess that's where they changed on the 10-1/2". I don't have measurements of the blades though...at this point a person almost needs to look at them side by side, but they are rather noticeable.
The "subscriber" numbers were all 10-1/2" guns, and all assembled late so all of those do have the later short blade.
Chet15

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I have one of each barrel length.

Tell me how you want the sights measured and I'll check mine for ya.

 

[Hipshot]

Coogs, I sent you a PM.

 

[sdoyl123]

As long I am on the subject of Maxi's, some of you out there have been kind enough to foward me you Max serial #'s. I appreciate that very much! Any one can PM or e-mail me a # and barrel length. All correspondence strictly confidential. I'm trying to establish 7 1/2" and 10 1/2" production #'s. If anybody knows their shipping/manufacture date please include it, thanks, Coogs.

I have a couple. I will get that to you next week.

 

[Coogs]

Thanks! And thank you to everyone else that I haven't got a chance to personally respond to..................keep 'em comin'.........Coogs.

 

[contender]

I hope you got my PM with my serial,,,!

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

Coogs, I finally had time to look through my stuff but couldn't find anything on the buy back. I did find a "variation" of the letter posted by chief 101, this one is two pages and dated 4 days earlier (you can almost hear WBR Sr. rejecting this version and saying "Squeeze in onto a single sheet to save printing & distribution costs!").

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Letter appears to be from Bill, Jr. . . . to Bill, Jr. ?

:?

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

I suspect from Jr. to Sr. for approval.

The final 1 page version was to "Dear Ruger Dealer".

 

[Coogs]

Interesting............................

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

Jack Behn told me that the issue and conditions noted, materialized after Remington changed their ammunition..........Further/Thus, the noted issues did not occur in or during extended INITIALl testing. Thompson contenders(closed breech) and Dan Wesson's revolvers(tightly regulated breech) did not display these Ruger noted conditions.

 

[Dan in MI]

If I remember correctly DW's also had longer cyls. This got a lot of press in the silhouette community back in the day. Elgins feather got ruffled...

 

[Chief 101]

Elgins feather got ruffled...

???Am I missing something, why would Mr. Gates have been upset?

 

[Dan in MI]

It was claimed the max was based on one of his original supermag designs. Changed just "enough." Then when Ruger stopped production The Silhouette gloated stating how his revolver design included a longer cyl that Ruger rejected. The reason why DW's and Sevilles lived and Ruger didn't.

I can probably find something in writing if I dig far enough.

 

[chet15]

It was claimed the max was based on one of his original supermag designs. Changed just "enough." Then when Ruger stopped production The Silhouette gloated stating how his revolver design included a longer cyl that Ruger rejected. The reason why DW's and Sevilles lived and Ruger didn't.

I can probably find something in writing if I dig far enough.

Aren't you speaking of the .375 Super Mag which came out about the same time?
Chet15

 

[Dan in MI]

Nope. I dug out one of my old silhouette books there's four or five pages just on this topic. There's even a copy of an apology from Remingnton for not giving proper credit.

There's a pic of a sketch made by Elgin in 1975 and the whole story of how he hawked it at the '76 SHOT show with no takers.

The book "Shooting Steel" (black with an orange chicken at impact on the cover) it's basically a compilation of articles from "The Sihouette," has sections on both the 357, and 375 Super Mags. I didn't look for the 414 and 445, but I am sure they are mentioned.

 

[flatgate]

CH,

Read Taffin's article for some background info.

LINK

flatgate

 

[Coogs]

The Ruger Maximum demise is a virtual "soap opera" of events. The longer cylinder would have helped a bit, but.......the biggest problem was trying to push lightweight bullets, 158gr and smaller, as fast as possible with fast burning powders. The top strap cutting has proven to be a non-issue, as it subsides and literally quits after a 1000 rds or so, throat erosion is still somewhat of a problem, if you stay with fast, lightweight bullets and fast burning powders. Ruger aleviated that somewhat when they change the degree of the forcing cone. At what point in production that happened I haven't been able to pin down yet. If you stay big and slow, 180+ and 4227, you will do well.A few "know all" writers helped the demise along.............there is alot more to this story.........and I'm finding out more every day! :wink: More to come.........................Coogs.