Unusual Serial Number for OM Single-Six

[VAdoublegunner]

I just picked up an unconverted OM Super Single-Six, drift adjustable rear sight, 6.5" barrel, has both 22 Magnum and LR cylinders, black eagle grips of course, and it's actually in pretty decent shape overall, but I got it for a shooter at a good shooter price. (I know, I know, obligatory pics are coming once I get the camera batteries recharged).

After checking the Ruger website, the serial number sequence puts year of manufacture in 1965. The manual in the box has a copyright date of 1965 so that seemed about right for where I guessed it might be.

But, it has a "D" stamped preceding the serial number. It appears to be a factory type stamping but is a heavier indentation than the numbers.

For the more knowledgeable Ruger serial number experts here, does the "D" denote anything special?
Trying to search for "D stamped serial number" yields a bunch of hits!

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Never mind, found it! Google can work sometimes!

It indicates a "Duplicate" serial number. I should have known that.

It is in the 504XXX range.

 

[street]

It's a Single-Six in the Super Single-Six serial number range. Your gun was probably made around 1968, a call to Ruger will give you a shipping date. The Super Single-Six that has the same serial number that your gun has, minus the "D" was made in 1965. Ruger has the policy of setting aside serial number blocks for different model guns. They did the same thing with the Standard Autos and the MK-I. They did he same thing with the Single-Six and the Light Weight Single-Sixs. The Single-Six and the Mag. only Single-Six. And the Single-Six like yours and the Super Single-Six.

The super Single Six was assigned the serial number range 400,000 only 5 were made with that serial number 400,001-400,005 and the 500,000 range. When the Single Six got to 499,999 it went to 500,000. This was in 1968 and the factory forgot that in 1965 they had serial numbered Super Single Sixes in that range. After they had serial numbered a few thousand, someone at the factory caught the mistake and had a "D" put on the serial number. That is why your gun has the "D" stamped as part of the serial number.

This also happened when they serial numbered MK-I in the 300,000 serial number range, and when the Standard got to 299,999 they continued numbering the Standard guns in the 300,000 range. Some of the guns got out without the "D". The MK-I will have the small size serial numbers and the Standard Autos will have the large size serial numbers. Isn't Ruger collection fun!!! :lol: :lol:

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Thanks for the info.

Yes, I found this older thread that had quite a bit of info about the 500xxx range of Single-Sixes.:
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/vie...&start=0&sid=90e7401c67ef7e9c04b6b7722b6d0fd3

It does appear to be a RSS5W with both cylinders. The 22LR cylinder is not scratched or stamped with the last 3 digits of the s/n.

 

[chet15]

Thanks for the info.

Yes, I found this older thread that had quite a bit of info about the 500xxx range of Single-Sixes.:
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/vie...&start=0&sid=90e7401c67ef7e9c04b6b7722b6d0fd3

It does appear to be a RSS5W with both cylinders. The 22LR cylinder is not scratched or stamped with the last 3 digits of the s/n.

Yes, you'll want to call the factory to see if it letters as an RSS5W or RSS5X. The X signifies convertible. If it comes back as RSS5W then it would be the first "D" RSS5W known in that range. Please PM me if it does come out as RSS5W, as I've been searching for the existance of that one for about 30 years now.
Chet15

 

[flatgate]

D181910, IIRC.......

flatgate

 

[chet15]

I've always suspected there were some RSS5W in the D50xxxx range, but haven't confirmed that one yet. Up to a few hundred of the earliest guns in that duplicated 50xxxx range were shipped out without getting the "D" stamp and the two I know of are RSS5W, but so far no "D" marked RSS5W in that range.
Chet15

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Yes, you'll want to call the factory to see if it letters as an RSS5W or RSS5X. The X signifies convertible. If it comes back as RSS5W then it would be the first "D" RSS5W known in that range. Please PM me if it does come out as RSS5W, as I've been searching for the existance of that one for about 30 years now.
Chet15

Will do. I am curious myself. I'll try to take some pics to post up today.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Just got a call back from Ruger (and for the record, man, can they deliver quick customer service or what!)

It turns out that it is a RSS5X, shipped June, 1968, with both cylinders. So unfortunately the search for the elusive 5W in that range continues.

Still, I am quite happy with this one. How could one *not* be happy with an OM Single-Six in decent shape!

 

[RugerHound]

I have D503695, which was an RSSMX that also shipped in June '68 according to Ruger.

 

[VAdoublegunner]

Pics.

In retrospect, this revolver must be a RSSMX instead of a RSS5X. The barrel length would be incorrect otherwise.

I still feel I got a decent deal for $275, even with the beat up box and manual.