Ruger three screw SS in 22 magnum only

[Dantforth]

It is a first year production in VG condition. Some slight bluing wear. I don't believe it was fired much being a 22M. It has not been converted. No box or papers. Are these considered collectable and can someone suggest a ballpark figure to offer. Thanks, Dave

 

[contender]

There is a certain amount of collectability of these guns. As always, it's about condition, condition, condition. Next it has to be in short supply with high demand. Or, there has to be something about it that makes a person want it.
It should be a RSSM model, but there were some variations. The serial number would need to be posted so somebody who may have one that's be consecutive to it can want it, badly.
All that said, it can be in the $300 to $500 value. No box & papers hurts it some.

 

[Bkat]

I paid $300 for mine about 5 years ago, a first year, about 95% condition, no box or papers. RENE lists them at $480 at 95-98% condition. $505 with eagle logo on barrel. But all that is subject to what contender says. If it's first year, serial # should be between 300000 to 305542.

Bkat

 

[Dantforth]

Yes, the serial number is in that range. I had checked that before posting here. I believe it is in the 90% condition range from photos I have seen. I will ask if it has the eagle logo on the barrel. Thanks for the quick and useful help. Dave

 

[street]

Yes, the serial number is in that range. I had checked that before posting here. I believe it is in the 90% condition range from photos I have seen. I will ask if it has the eagle logo on the barrel. Thanks for the quick and useful help. Dave

Most guns with that low of a serial number will not have the Ruger Eagle on the barrel. But with Ruger never say never, but with this low number it's almost never. :roll:

 

[GasGuzzler]

Worth $400+ around here best guess without seeing it. I don't live in an area with many Old Models and when you find one, they cost more than others.

 

[Dantforth]

Well, I purchased it shipped and transferred for $375.00 so I think I did OK. No, it does not have the Ruger eagle on the barrel but I can add one with my crayons. Photo included is not really good but all I have. I wonder if it looks to be all original to you SS gurus? Dave...SN 3034##

 

[Bkat]

Nice snag, Dantforth! Our SNs are relatively close--I've got 3030xx.

Bkat

 

[6GUNSONLY]

It looks right from here and also looks considerably better than 90%, which actually describes a gun with noticeable wear.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Nice

 

[Fox Mike]

I paid $390.00 for mine (serial number309xxx) with the box and original parts list. This in Maryland where prices seem to be a bit higher than other places. You can use that as a guide.

 

[Dantforth]

Well, I watch this site closely to get current USA information but Canadian prices are somewhat higher in my estimation. I love Rugers and find the only real drawback to being in Canada is not having access to send any problems back to the factory like you guys do. I do wish that they had a Ruger factory service center in Canada but I suppose it would not be cost effective. I snap up every OM Blackhawk I can find for a decent price as I do believe I see them appreciating in value more quickly than others. I do not think there are as many collectors in Canada nor as many knowledgable collectors. Thanks, Dave

 

[Dantforth]

Well, it has arrived and I am disappointed. Seller did not mention that the screw slots were slightly marred from being tightened with the incorrect screwdriver. This is not the biggest issue. It has four obvious marks on the bottom of the butt on the grip frame. These jump right out as they are so bright compared to the shiny black of the frame. So, I am contacting the seller with the facts to see if he intends to take it back or somehow make it right with me. Another issue is a very slight scratch on the left side of the barrel and on the cylinder. I will post photos here soon. The condition is my problem to solve with the seller. My question here is two fold....what would it cost for a set of replacement screws for this from Ruger and what, if anything, can be done to repair or mask the marks on the grip frame?? David

 

[contender]

Screws & gripframes are easily replaced. Not too hard to find, and reasonable in price. Plus, you can sell your scarred up GF to someone who wants a shooter grade GF.
I wouldn't waste the $$$ on shipping it back & all. I'd spend it in the better parts.

 

[Dantforth]

Thanks for the comment Contender. I have added a photo of the damage to the bottom of the grip frame. I have contacted the seller with my concerns and am waiting for a reply. I will decide to keep it or not based on his ideas for a solution. David
PS - I found more difficulties with it as I waited for the seller to answer me. The buggered screws also make me wonder what may have been done inside? Mouths of the chambers in the cylinder are all marked up and dented due to dry firing. One chamber is giving trouble extracting a fired casing. I advised the seller I would send it back so I am still looking. Thanks for the help here.

 

[chet15]

It is a first year production in VG condition. Some slight bluing wear. I don't believe it was fired much being a 22M. It has not been converted. No box or papers. Are these considered collectable and can someone suggest a ballpark figure to offer. Thanks, Dave

Dave:
Looking at the bottom of your gun, the small flat area of the cylinder frame in front of the grip frame, is that flat part finely finished or does it have rather wide machining marks that run parallel with the barrel? Please send me a PM of your serial number also. The change in finishing occurred between 303674 and 304788. I'm just trying to get closer to when this changed.
If yours is finely finished then that would definitely put us close to the changeover!
Chet15

 

[Dantforth]

Chet, I sent it back to the seller. In all of the firearms I have purchased on line this is the first that was returned. It arrived with condition issues which weren't outlined in the description or seen in the photos and as I delved deeper, it had more and more problems. The last straw was that someone had tightened the grip screw so tight that it had pulled the escutcheon right through the wood. Someone had replaced the escutcheon with a piece of cloth tucked around it to make it tight enough to pas initial inspection. Every frame screw was also buggered so, why was anyone going inside a revolver wich was described as 95-98%?????