Ruger 96 & 99 NIB Matching Serial Numbers,Pics up now

[88 man]

Hey Guys
New to the forum but been watching a long time.I've got an old style Ruger carbine made in 1981 and it's mint.Not even blueing loss on the steel butplate.
I recently picked up a matching pair of nib Ruger 96 & 99 with ser #'s below 50 so there first yr for both.My Q is how collectable would these 2 critters be ?.I don't know if I want to shoot them as they will just go up in value and I do alot of deer hunting and want a carbine 44 but like the mag model better.I'm thinking of selling and buying a mag model if I can find one.These 2 rifles should be with a Ruger collector rather than getting fired.They come with scope rins,cable lock,all paperwork.The semi doesn't have the hang tag but does have the scope guard.
Any thought's
Thanks, Ed

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum.
As with anything, it's all about desirability. Not as many folks collect the rifles as say the SA revolvers. So, a bit less desirability. However, you mentioned that the M96 & M99 both have the exact same low serial number. (Assuming the prefix is totally different, & the "under #50" is preceeded by 000.) The prefixes should be 620 for the M96 & 630 for the M99.) So, if I understand your post correctly, you have M96, serial number 620-000XX & the M99 should be 630-000XX.
Those would be true 2 digit guns.
In the collecting world, that is desirable.
Especially to anybody who has an other guns with the same serial number.

 

[88 man]

Thanks for the welcome contender !
Yes the last 2 #'s are the same and under 50,the rest as you said the prefix's are dif for each model.I just can't justify shooting them if someone collecting these whats something as unique as what I have.I just want a 44 carbine with mag !.
Thanks !

 

[SteveRuger]

If it is serial # 42 or #27 I would like to know. J/S

 

[88 man]

Hey Steve.
Hope,,sorry !

 

[chet15]

Yes, depending on what the numbers are too, there may be a forum member lurking around here who has a few of that number. Would be your best bet for selling them fairly easy.
If not, you may also be able to tie that number to a noted celebrity like a gun writer, or factory employee. Send me a PM on your number and I might be able to tell you who used to get those through Ruger's low serial number program.
Chet15

 

[Rumrunner]

A lot of people evidently wish they had bought a model 99 when available, cuz they go for a premium price now regardless of serial number or if new or used.