RCA 10"

[street]

I sent an email to RCA on August 8 which I include below, I have NOT received a response....you can come to your own conclusions, I have already... unfortunately.

I am very disappointed to read on the website that all of the RCA revolvers are spoken for...I just received the letter with the ordering information on Saturday(?!) and was planning on putting the letter in the mail tomorrow....so much for that...it seems that some folks were given notice earlier than others. Why was it limited to 50 guns...why not let all RCA members have a chance? Especially when some folks will be able to order multiple guns and others, such as myself, will not get one....this is why I stopped my membership with RCA before, it appears that some members who are better "connected" get a an advanced opportunity over the other members... it appears that some things at the RCA have not changed...

Just to clarify, I wrote this email on a Monday, 2 days after receiving the ordering information, i had went on the website to see if online ordering was possible when I read that they were all spoken for, I re-joined the RCA in May or June, as I recall, after about a ten yr hiatus...I seriously doubt I will be renewing. The leadership should have requested a 20% deposit to pre-order the revolvers, this way they would have known IN ADVANCE what the demand would be and could have worked with the Ruger factory to purchase the appropriate number of revolvers to satisfy the ENTIRE RCA membership, not just the well connected members.

I have said this before and I will say it again. The only true "RCA" is the "Red Eagle News Exchange" There you get nothing but news on Ruger and Ruger Guns. It's been like that for years.

In years past I too tried to buy some of those RCA guns, but it was never set up for every member to have one. They wanted you to give them a deposit to hold and you didn't know when or what the next gun was going to be. It could be years before they had a new issue, and at the time I needed every cent that I could find just to buy Old Models for my collection. And a lot of the other collectors must have needed their extra funds for their collections, because not too many RCA guns were made. It should have been done as Nh Rugerman said. "The leadership should have requested a 20% deposit to pre-order the revolvers, this way they would have known IN ADVANCE what the demand would be and could have worked with the Ruger factory to purchase the appropriate number of revolvers to satisfy the ENTIRE RCA membership, not just the well connected members."

I, like NH Rugerman, dropped out of the RCA some years back and re-joined for a year. That was enough for me. I dropped out again. I get much more information here on the RugerFourm.Com

 

[Ale-8(1)]

^^ +1 ^^

It all just looks like a money-maker and "special collector gun" for the "in crowd".

Sorry, but that's how it looks.

:roll:

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

Well, here we go again..............My membership has not been processed and it has been over 34 days.(I paid instantly via CC) On the RCA website, The membership drive attainment number has not been updated from the blinking 46 since late July, although the information on special cost extension for a Life RCA Membership has been updated. Special calls for special reasons? I think not and I am less than impressed.........My patience wears thin. :roll:

 

[rugerguy]

bottom line is that ANY "social ,fraternal' group, has its ups and downs and anything that is
presentd" by them for their Members, has ONLY an "interest or value" to those in the group and hopefully any "new" Members, my wife was a Field Rep years ago for the RCA and she 'believed in and bought> many of these "offerings" but as I said "bottom line" they are ONLY of interest and value to them, she NEVER made a DIME on any of them and was lucky to get her money back, and as 'street' said, this money was needed and better spent, to buy other stuff that "fit" into her collecting niche.............
this holds true for most ALL "specials, or Commemerative offerings, even by Colt, Winchester and others...........
as for "it" being better or worse, only a personal preference, they are only as good as to what the members put into it, and allow to happen..........

 

[BlkHawk73]

Feeling the same way. To those that got in, congrats. To those that didn't, well, I really think your voice needs to be heard by the RCA, not just here on the forums. Now, I don't know how many members there is currently in the RCA, but I gotta believe that 50 of these guns is no where's close to what was requested by the members. C'mon they have a drive to get 50 new members this year and then order only 50 of these guns? Seems that would have a bunch left empty handed and not even a chance to get one for themselves. VERY poor planning and with apparently nobody getting updates on their requests, VERY poor member service.
Certainly seems this is the typical "good ole boy" club. Been pondering joining, but I think I'll stick with the RENE. I KNOW that's worthwhile and run by a VERY straight shooter.

 

[El Numero Uno]

This whole thread is wearing thin on me. I have been a Member of the RCA since it's inception in 1975, having Member #72.
I have been a subscriber to the Red Eagle News Exchange ever since it has been called that; to the Ruger News Exchange before that, and Faulks Collector's Service before that. I have submitted and had published articles in the RCA Journal and have made numerous submissions of data to the RENE. I furnished the Display of Ruger No.1 rifles for the RCA Display at the 1996 Dallas NRA Convention.
My Membership and association with other Members has been a real asset in furthering my Ruger collection So has the RENE and so has all the books published concerning Rugers.
If you have a problem with the RCA, fine, then don't join. I have been as frustrated over the years as many, but I have stuck with the Association.
On the subject of the 10" .357 Special Issue, How many of you even know how many previous "Special Issues" there have been? There were 2 Old Army's, 2 Auto Chamber Seals, some Bisley's? and the 10th Anniversary Ruger No.1. That is the only I bought! There were to be 50 of them made, I got my $$ in the day I got the letter. I got one; however 50 of them weren't ordered, so they only made the number to fill the order. I never knew how many it was
When this idea of the 10" .357 Anniversary came up, I was in on it. We had serious concerns of selling them all, as 35 was the original number considered. 50 was the number decided on and several of the Leaders agreed to take (and Pay) for any unsold. BTW, Ruger wants their $$.
With all the RCA bashing on this Forum, who would have thought they would have all sold! This was the first time in 20 years(?) that a special issue had been done. Older Collectors may remember that Steve Vogel ran the RCA until his untimely death in 1991. He had a real in at the Factory-paying for Special Issues was not a big problem for him. For all you youngsters, Steve was WBR's Son-in-Law. The RCA has struggled since Steve's passing. Many of us have stuck with it, many haven't.
A lot of complaints about no Journals, that why they quit. Good reason, there weren't many (or any) for a number of years. Well, they have been being published on a regular promised schedule for the last two years( the last in color!!) How many of you have submitted articles??
I have run out of gas!
If you don't want to be a Member and/or not a Member, fine-QUIT BITCHING! If you do want to be a Member, GREAT, please Help, as it is obvious we need ALL the GOOD HELP we can get.
Lee Newton

 

[d findley]

If the RCA had "ordered" 1000 of these Flattops and sold them for $1 each, there would be some who weren't satisfied. Why would people who dislike the RCA so much want a gun marked "RCA"? Congrats to those who got their order in quick enough, I'm sorry for those who did not. Better luck next time.

 

[rugerguy]

my point exactly, as a "Member" you can input, help (or not help) but you do have a voice as to just where it goes, its only as good as what we put into it, or allow to happen.....
and one has to decide just where they want to put their time & money towards, that , which will ,THEY FEEL, to be the most benefit to them.
Many Members have no desire to get one of these, just NOT what we collect or even have an interest in........................but at least can still talk about, comment on, and opine as to it............. :wink:
NO one here is twisting any ones arms to join the 'RCA' or not...........

 

[BlkHawk73]

My point was more to the fact that while the RCA is in a year to boost membership, it should be doing something to show it's a group worth belonging to. A little bad PR goes further than a lot of good PR. I simply think, and it's seemingly not a unique opinion, that this should've been handled differently. Regardless, it's too late and it left many a member/potential member empty handed, probably frustrated and likely upset.
With the stained past of the RCA, one would think during a membership drive, more favorable press would be put forth. then again, I don't have a "voice" so what I say matters not. :roll:

 

[RPM Enterprises]

BTT

Anyone received their new Flattop?

flatgate

How can anyone say there was bad PR. The guns just plain sold faster than expected. These guns were advertised in the last journal. We all knew they were comming out. I recall people talking about them at my Ruger show back in May and there has been alot of chatter on this Forum as well prior to the final sale announcement. Maybe the RCA should follow up with a 44 and do 100 guns.
I received an email that my RCA Flattop was shipped 9-4-2010
Can't wait to see it

 

[d findley]

Hey Rick, You should get it Tue or Wed. How about posting a picture when it comes?

 

[danjoe2006]

man, what a rubble. being a small timer, i don't want to get in the middle of this one. all i have to say is, it's in the wind that LIPSEYS has an order in for 250 10"ers.

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Rugerguy nailed it on the head! Any organization is only as good as the
membership itself! If you are a member you have a voice use it!! Will it
always come out your way? NO!! But it should reflect the wishs of the majority of its members!!

As to "Favorite's or Special" RCA Members getting first dibbs on these guns, that in my opinion is "Horse Hocky".
I am not a Big Dog in the Collecting Arena nor am I friends with any of the officers of the RCA, but I was lucky enough to get a gun.
All I did was send the money and FFL the same day I recieved the offer,
was I lucky? You becha!!! Could this have been better thought out? Maybe, but hindsight is always 20/20!:wink: Future offers will answer the question, was anything learned here????

I too was a frustrated former RCA Member, and rejoined when a group of
respected Collectors and others reformed it. I told myself I would give it a year and see if things are better. Well I did see some improvements and
it was nice to see the Jorunal in the mail box again. But we have a long way to go but I believe the membership will see it through! only time will tell. JMHO

As to the RENE - There is absolutley nothing that compares to it! Nuff-said.

Terry

 

[flatgate]

I'm confused. RPM, you quoted my post that asked if anyone had received the new 10" .357. :?: I'm very curious about shipping since I have to drive 40 some odd miles to my FFL's......

I certainly agree this particular RCA Offer is a bit confusing to many folks.
Upon the announcement that the RCA was ready to accept orders I wasted not one moment in getting my order to RCA HQ.

flatgate

 

[hammesj]

I'm like Flatgate and as soon as I got the letter I had copy of FFL and money order in the mai lthe next day with overnight mail. I'm going to receive one of the guns and I am certainly not in the "in-crowd" or "better connected" as stated in the previos posts. I have only been a member of the RCA for 6 months. I agree the ordering process could have been handled better but its a learning process. I have been a member of RENE for several years and have dectected the animosity between these groups on several occassions. I like both and I feel it would serve all of us better if it was more amicable relationsip because both groups are helpful in my opinion. Jim

 

[rugerguy]

well guys, 'first come, first served' has been around as long as I can recall....
when they make too many of a 'so-called' "limited edition", then it just isn;t that anymore....................

 

[chet15]

I like both and I feel it would serve all of us better if it was more amicable relationsip because both groups are helpful in my opinion. Jim

Hey, don't forget...I was reminded by a forum member recently that RCA and RENE are not in competition with each other. And that is entirely correct. So lets not make it so.
RENE has nothing to do with this 10" deal. I like others have expressed my "opinion" of the way things could have maybe been handled differently. When I made my first post in this thread about my concerns there was even then still time to make better communication.
When offered constructive criticism, those in a position to make things happen should do so instead of getting pissy about it (I am not referring to anybody who has commented throughout this thread).
We are not in competition. I only wish sometimes one of us were run more like a business. I know, I know...the sky just fell in. But lets face it. Its been six weeks now and I doubt if there is one of you who made a comment on this 10" thread who would not have split second communication with a buyer or seller were it a personal gun transaction you were dealing with. Heck, even most of the people on sleazebay have a 10-day contact notice printed in their auctions. These are guns after all...valued possessions like houses and cars.
And I don't chastise anybody for wanting anything less. To me it ain't bitching...its wanting better procedures for what they pay for. After all, if its anything we've all learned over the last few decades is that most Ruger collectors are really a forgiving bunch.
Now...not being an RCA member, the problem needs fixed...and needs amended so that it doesn't happen again. And I'm confident that any one or all of the five who are making a go of RCA can make that happen.
Chet15

 

[NH Rugerman]

I have read the entire thread and my original point still is valid, I know that I received my ordering information later than others did...FOR WHATEVER REASON. I do note how others state they sent their FFL and money in the same day, well up here in NH the mail comes on Saturday and then Monday...I received the order info on Saturday and completed it to send it out on MONDAY but before putting the info in the mail, I thought I would check to see if the RCA could/would accept an online reservation. I then read about the guns being sold out and sent my reservation anyway and also sent the email I posted on my previous post above.

MY goal was to solicit a response to my email....I am still waiting tonight. I am President/COO of a company, we would NOT be in business if I did not respond to my customers within hours let alone a month regardless of how limited my product availability is. Oh yeah, and sometimes my customers emails are NOT pleasant to read or respond to. A prompt courteous response explaining the situation would have satisfied me...I read too many people willing to make excuses for this....does the RCA leadership want to be a great organization or just a mediocre one? I want to lead a great organization with great people who maintain high standards and feel great accomplishment when our customers thank us and give us their money....but that is just me.

regards....

 

[RPM Enterprises]

Mine just arrived today. I will get some pictures of it when I get a chance..

 

[chet15]

I haven't seen it, nor do I even know where its at right now, but somebody close to this project has said RCA-00001 has a long ejector housing on it (ala Ruger's 10-1/2" barreled SA's).
There may be variations of the 50 :shock:
Chet15

 

[seeemmiss]

All of them have the long ejector rod.

 

[NH Rugerman]

"Also heard there were a few extras produced for the RCA members, not for the bad talkers."



Bad talkers....let's not speak the truth if someone might find it offensive...I expect liberals to be like that...not gun owners. And does the above post imply that the RCA plays favorites.....

 

[Ale-8(1)]

We're sure seeing a bunch of guesses, speculations, and rumors.

:roll:

 

[Kanook]

I figure to stop all this mess, how about ship all of them to ME.

 

[seeemmiss]

Hello

 

[SteveRuger]

Kool The #'s are creeping up! There are 4 more than expected! This is good..

 

[radicalrod]

Hey does the "54" number include the 2 known "PROTOTYPES" ??? I did get to see a consecutive set all boxed up from the RCA.......it was all I could do to keep from peeking inside BUT I resisted :lol: :lol: :lol: I figure I may get to see them someday.....Hey I was just thinking....maybe if I talk nice to one of the distributors I can get a RADICAL ROD gun made I know EVERYONE would want one of these :shock: :shock: :shock: lets see maybe the serial number will be RRxxxxx, or RADxxxx, or RAD RODxx :roll: :roll: :roll: Hey a guy can dream ....RIGHT.....see ya RR.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

All it takes is $$$$$$$$$$$

 

[NH Rugerman]

Seeemmiss-
I AM a member of the RCA....is that not support?, there are NO versions of Truth...just TRUTH. I sent an email (fact), I have yet to receive a response (fact), it has been more than five weeks since I sent the email (fact). That is the TRUTH....not my version of it. Are you suggesting that I should support them no matter what...sorry, I can think for myself and come to conclusions based on knowledge and experience..they didn't think through this offering and could have handled it much better IN MY OPINION...I would have (fact)

 

[seeemmiss]

RCA