Old model single Six grip frame and cylinder engraving

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MS86

Bearcat
Joined
Sep 4, 2024
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14
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1973 last year three screw single six convertible utilizing a new model 22LR cylinder. Ruger confirms that the pistol has not been sent in for any reason.

What might be the significance of the numbers engraved onto both the grip frame and cylinder. They are not part of the revolvers serial number.

Cylinder lock up was tight. Revolver functioned as intended and was a pleasure to shoot.

Opinions welcome thank you in advance!

Edit to: Re format photos and I forgot there was an additional number that looks like either an eight a six or perhaps a zero and the three is difficult to see on the cylinder but it's there.
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I can't see the serial number of the gun,, but I can offer a little info. Ruger puts the last 3 digits of a serial number on the face of the cylinder to be able to mate up cylinders back to guns after bluing. That grip frame appears to have had an aftermarket coloring added. Too shiny for factory,, plus I see wear showing the finis is different. The 4 digits, 4735 may be part of the serial, or the way a gunsmith marked it to make sure that g/f got back to it's original frame.
 
I can't see the serial number of the gun,, but I can offer a little info. Ruger puts the last 3 digits of a serial number on the face of the cylinder to be able to mate up cylinders back to guns after bluing. That grip frame appears to have had an aftermarket coloring added. Too shiny for factory,, plus I see wear showing the finis is different. The 4 digits, 4735 may be part of the serial, or the way a gunsmith marked it to make sure that g/f got back to it's original frame.

Agree, it looks to have been refinished. Still a "keeper" for the right price. ;)

The cylinder looks more like a .22 Magnum type. (?)

Thank you for your replies. It's still a mystery to me. To the best of my understanding, Ruger put only the last three of the serial number on the WMR cylinders. This cylinder is an LR cylinder from a new model and the numbers we're not placed by Ruger and are not part of the serial number.

If I took a wild guess, I might say that the numbers were placed as identifiers by a previous owner? Is it also not out of the realm of possibility that if a Smith fit the cylinder he may have marked the frame and cylinder with numbers specific to his work? I'm leaning towards the former.

As to the shine of the grip frame, the grips were off for an application of tongue, oil, and the GF was getting a cleanup with CLP.
 
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I wonder if when folks returned their 22WMR guns ( made 59 to 64 ) for fitting and purchase of the LR cylinder, did Ruger put last 3 digits on those?
 
Possibly the last 4 digits of a SS number, inscribed by a previous owner for identification purposes in case of theft. I've seen that done on several occasions...And, NOT always in a hidden area on the firearm.
 
I wonder if when folks returned their 22WMR guns ( made 59 to 64 ) for fitting and purchase of the LR cylinder, did Ruger put last 3 digits on those?
If it was then as it is now it would make sense, as I believe Ruger marks any second cylinder that they fit after the firearm leaves the factory.


Were the factory Magnum/WMR cylinders (59 to 64) roll marked as they are now to indicate as such?

Thanks for your reply!
 
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Possibly the last 4 digits of a SS number, inscribed by a previous owner for identification purposes in case of theft. I've seen that done on several occasions...And, NOT always in a hidden area on the firearm.
Right! Thankfully not engraved into the side of the cylinder frame!

I'm leaning towards identifying markings but wanting to consider all suggested possibilities from folks way more experienced than I.

Thanks for your reply!
 
If the numbers on the cylinder don't match the serial,, then it's also possible that the gun is a "parts" gun that someone added a different Ruger cylinder from what it originally shipped with. That happens a lot. The TYPE of marking method appears to be what Ruger does use.
As for the g/f & the 4 digits,, as noted,, the possibility of the last 4 of a SS is a good potential answer.
 
Possibly the last 4 digits of a SS number, inscribed by a previous owner for identification purposes in case of theft. I've seen that done on several occasions...And, NOT always in a hidden area on the firearm.
I got a mint older 10/22 and a very nice Colt Huntsman where the owner put his name and phone number on the 10/22 receiver and trigger group. On the Woodsman on the front grip strap and the magazine, why not inside is anyone's guess.
 
I got a mint older 10/22 and a very nice Colt Huntsman where the owner put his name and phone number on the 10/22 receiver and trigger group. On the Woodsman on the front grip strap and the magazine, why not inside is anyone's guess.
Ouch! Sorry, can't like that one. Really only matters how they shoot and we know the answer to that. ;)
 
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