OM .357 Flattop Grip Question

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ChuckS1

Bearcat
Joined
Jan 21, 2007
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87
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Stafford, VA, USA
Got a 1962-vintage .357 OM flattop, 4 5/8 barrel, that came to me with the black rubber grips (now aged to brown). I was wondering if those were correct for timeframe or if it should have walnut grips like my 1961-vintage Single Six has.

Thanks in advance.
 
Joined
Dec 11, 2002
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Ohio , U.S.A.
I recall from the RENE that around serial number 25,000 plus, the wood ( walnut) were started to be the way they they shipped and that serial number was around 1959-60 so being near a transition, may be either way, too often the original owner may have put on grips they liked better....I like the black, hard rubber ( plasticized) ones as that was "Ruger"............the brown color is fading or reaction to ultraviolet rays, wipe down with RIG< or dip in some 'Rit" shoe dye and they will darken up..........
 
Joined
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Location
Marysville, CA USA
Wow! 42665 is nearing the end to the .357 Flattops (last one is 42690 I believe) - your gun most likely shipped with wood grips - but who knows for sure with Ruger. I'd keep the vintage "brown" grips on it.
 

JohnW

Bearcat
Joined
Nov 19, 2007
Messages
89
Location
Gasconade County, MO
That is a very late flat top. Agree, it's hard to tell with Ruger. That said, varnished walnut should have been standard at that time. 41244 (my FIL's) has them, and he is only the second owner.
 

ChuckS1

Bearcat
Joined
Jan 21, 2007
Messages
87
Location
Stafford, VA, USA
Thanks for all the replies. I put a set of stag grips on it. Pretty sure they're not factory, since the eagles on the medallions don't seem to match. One eagle has a thicker neck than the other and they're slightly off kilter. Looks nice, though, if you don't look too close. Other than a slight turn line, a little bit of wear of the left side of the muzzle, and the loading gate starting to turn plum color, the finish is in great condition,
 
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JohnW

Bearcat
Joined
Nov 19, 2007
Messages
89
Location
Gasconade County, MO
Hmm... OM .357 4-5/8" flat top, great finish, a bit of plum, stag grips.

full


;) :giggle:
 

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