Question About Older SP101 Serial #

[Pistolero]

I have an older model SP101 9mm revolver with a serial prefix of *570XXXXXXXXX. I am wondering what the significance of the asterisk is. Is it a factory used model that was used for display or a factory re-conditioned model? Just kinda curious since I couldn't find that 570 prefix in my Blue Book Pocket Guide for Ruger Revolvers.

 

[Terry T]

SP-101s are know to have 'D', 'U' and ' * ' ser. no. prefixes.
We believe the 'D' is for a duplicate ser. no. (making it not a duplicate!)
And the 'U' is for "used".
We're not sure about the ' * ' but...I have one with the ' * ' and it's box is marked 'used gun'.

All are considered to be "extremely rare"
My problem is that without documentation of some sort from Ruger, it's easy to counterfeit. :shock:
I would suggest you send for the letter from Ruger.
Yours is the first 9mm I've heard of.
What is the barrel length of yours?
Terry T

 

[Pistolero]

Terry T,
It is a 3 inch barrel. The box shows it as a Model 5704 catalog KSP-931 caliber 9mm. I will request a letter from Ruger to clarify the asterisk.

Thank you,

Mike

 

[chet15]

Here are two KSP-931 that I have noted...
*570-74834 and *570-74853.
Pistolero, if your sn is different, send me a PM so I can add it to the list of guns in my "Reference of Ruger Firearms"
Chet15

 

[Pistolero]

Chet15,

PM sent.

 

[chet15]

Thanks Pistolero....now it looks like there are three known.
Great gun!!
Chet15

 

[lfpiii]

At one time Ruger sent out 50 KSP-931 to police departments in the USA that might have been interested in a 9mm back up. Once the review period was completed the department could purchase the guy at a great savings or return it to Ruger. The ones returned to Ruger got cleaned up, marked with the * and sold at a discount to stocking dealers.

FYI

The D is for duplicate as per BATF. You should only see these guns as old models. Sadly most dealers have no clue and forget to add the D on the 4473. If the box label is marked it should just be a plain D in ink.

The U is for used. Not every factory used gun is marked with the U. I purchased one of the SP-101 that came back from French police and the box was marked but not the gun.

 

[Pistolero]

At one time Ruger sent out 50 KSP-931 to police departments in the USA that might have been interested in a 9mm back up. Once the review period was completed the department could purchase the guy at a great savings or return it to Ruger. The ones returned to Ruger got cleaned up, marked with the * and sold at a discount to stocking dealers.

FYI

The D is for duplicate as per BATF. You should only see these guns as old models. Sadly most dealers have no clue and forget to add the D on the 4473. If the box label is marked it should just be a plain D in ink.

The U is for used. Not every factory used gun is marked with the U. I purchased one of the SP-101 that came back from French police and the box was marked but not the gun.

This is great information. I am waiting for a letter of authenticity from Ruger to arrive any day. This important bit of information might add some collector value to my revolver.

Many thanks,