RSSE production count?

[twriggen]

Just confirming numbers on the RSSE units.

My understanding were a total of 238 produced. 20 of them were Spanish engraved, 22 were the All-Blue version, thus leaving 196 as the brunt of the Jerred "polished" versions?

Sound right?

 

[hittman]

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Don't have my copy handy but the answers are likely here if you get one!

 

[twriggen]

That was the first place I looked and didn't see anything. I just went back and looked again and did find a reference at the beginning that says a total of 261 single sixes were engraved including one prototype without a serial number. I can't make that number work with the 238 that I see elsewhere so even more confused?

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

I always heard 258 as the total number (including the 20 Spanish guns which would leave 238 Jerred guns) and then I believe John Amber was gifted a pair of gold plated engraved single digit guns (maybe SNs 6&7 ?) , so those plus the prototype you mention gives 261.

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

Nope, my mistake, they were 7 & 8.

No mention of the gold plating though - I might be making that up. Or maybe that was the the prototype.

Get yourself a copy of the book, Compliments of Col. Ruger by Dougan for about everything that is known about the RSSE guns.

 

[twriggen]

I always heard 258 as the total number and then I believe John Amber was gifted a pair of gold plated engraved single digit guns (maybe SNs 6&7 ?) , so those plus the prototype you mention gives 261.

Using those numbers safe to assume 216; 258 minus 20 minus 22, of the polished grip frame Jerrett guns?

 

[twriggen]

Get yourself a copy of the book, Compliments of Col. Ruger by Dougan for about everything that is known about the RSSE guns.

I had been digging through it, Dougan's The Vintage Years, and RENE trying to find a number prior to asking but had given up. After a second look I finally found a reference on page 51 of Compliments of Col. Ruger; "Charles H Jerred engraved 238 Single Sixes and 8 Blackhawks for Sturm, Ruger & Co.

 

[SteveRuger]

I have handled the serial #7 & #8 Spanish Engraved a few times, now both are both together in collection that was on display in Tulsa in November they are not plated & were John Ambers guns at one point. Both have Ivory grips shipped in two-piece Single-Six Black with Red ends,

 

[HAWKEYE#28]

Have used the 258 number for decades during which I custodianed some ten RSSE. If you do not have a copy of the text "COL RUGER AND HIS GUNS" WHICH ADDRESSES ALL THE FACTORY ENGRAVED FIREARMS........contact Don Findley who has a limited number of copies available. I have no dog in that hunt, but am confident that you will be wildly happy with this book!

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

This is the plated gun I was thinking about, a non-serial numbered prototype. There were other Single Six prototypes but I don't believe they were engraved.

From RENE: