Serial Number range that the warning started to appear?

[Bloodhound]

What serial number range did the warning appear on the barrel? I have a friend with a 77- serial number and he claims its a pre warning gun...I think its been rebarreled???

Thanks

Scott

 

[3DTESTIFY]

It's possible your friend's rifle had pre-warning barrel installed on a #77 prefix receiver. I believe the warning was added in the #72 prefix in 1976.

 

[Bloodhound]

Thank you...I have heard rumors that Ruger used old parts till they ran out and that serial numbers, especially on the rifles and shotguns are just a guideline...

I won't argue with my friend...thanks for the info

 

[mtnman2nd]

I think its closer to 1978 in the 73- range. I believe I've seen a few post 200 year guns that are pre-warning.

 

[Coogs]

Ruger announced in their newsletter, Volume 1, No. 4, 1978 that by late 1977 all barrels were rollmarked with the infamous "warning". Coogs.

 

[chet15]

The only way one could get a Ruger firearm of any kind without the Warning rollmark is to have a special contact at the factory. These do exist, but more than likely, if your 77- prefix gun has a standard Ruger Southport address on the barrel without the Warning, then it has probably been rebarreled.
Chet15

 

[smoke-eater]

Interesting info. I have a 73- series gun that does not have the warning. Now I'm wondering if it may have been rebarreled.

 

[chet15]

73-11978 is the earliest I have noted with the Warning rollmark, so if yours is earlier than that, it really isn't unusual. 72-96177 is the highest I have noted that is a true "pre-Warning". If yours is somewhere in between, be sure to send me an email so I can update my info. [email protected]
Chet15

 

[smoke-eater]

Chet15,
E-mail sent.

Jeff