"Why did Dougan reference neck feathers as 1965?"

[SATCOM]

I know neck feather medallions were on guns shipped very late 1966 and 1967 only. How did I know that?

It was pointed out to me that Ruger Pistols and Revolvers the Vintage Years 1949-1973 by John Dougan, pg. 102, neck feather medallions 1965.

Where did the 1967 data come from?

Thanks.

SATCOM

 

[chet15]

Do you mean, where did the 1965 data come from?
Chet15

 

[SATCOM]

Chet,

Thanks for response. Dougan's newest book gives 1965.

Which is correct 1967 or 1965 for neck feathers?

SATCOM

 

[rugerguy]

I always thought and have seen the later date 67-68 and have no clue what Mr Dougan may have had on his mind or in his notes "at the time" ( or what the printer actually printed or proof read ) 8)

 

[chet15]

Will have to look at my notes, but the change in the regular medallion occurred about May 1966, what I call pre-1966 (skinny feathers) and post 1966 (thick feathers).
The neckfeather bird came along about the same time...maybe late 1966 and definitely continued into 1967...but it was not around as early as 1965.
Chet15

 

[SATCOM]

chet15,

Again thanks for input.

SATCOM

 

[mohavesam]

Also - the eagle "neck feathers" may/probably has different dates of implementation depending on what item we're wondering about? For instance, the logo on company letterhead or signage may have changed a couple years before the parts-grip medallions were changed. The higher change costs are almost always in the parts...

Remember too, that Ruger's suppliers may deliver the different medallions at extended schedules, and Ruger workbenches always use up whatever parts caches they have before replenishing, etc.

Hence, the variations in published information regarding what Ruger probably saw as a rather insignificant change to begin with! If there is an engineering drawing available for the different logo, I'd rely on that drawing rev date, although it is assuredly months or longer before the medallion supplier orders were placed.
Think like a machine shop!

 

[rugerguy]

Thinking back I recall seeing more of the neck feathers and sooner on the 22 semi autos if I'm correct............

 

[308longdistance]

Jogged my memory.....
Looked up what I had in "Single Actions The Second Decade 1963-73"
Paperback J.C. Dougan.

Eagle with neck feathers...
Both dates are referenced in this book -1967* at top, then 1964-65 at the bottom B.




Also I saved an old thread (printed from the RugerForum) from Chet15.



A pretty good look at skinny neck pre '66 on right & fat neck post '66.

 

[street]

Here is a better description and picture of the thin neck, "Early Eagle" and thick neck, Late Eagle".

 

[SATCOM]

Guys,

Thanks for responses. This started over on the RCA site. A gentleman asked about his Single Six serial # 505861, with nearly red cylinder frame, and marked as S. Ruger letter indicated shipped April 1967. My thoughts were that serial # was a long way off from 1967, it was a second because cylinder frame color, and it sat around for some time before finishing and batched for sale. Grips on this gun were Neck Feathers which agrees with 1967 ship date. When I communicated my thoughts to him, he referenced Mr. Dougan's neck feathers as on 1965 guns. He never replied to my additional posts that I would post this 65/67 thing on RF. My thoughts are Neck Feathers are 1967 guns.

Again thanks for inputs.

SATCOM

 

[mohavesam]

Sometimes I wonder if these subtle changes were actually supported by drawings/engineering decisions, as in P/N revisions?
Again I'll ask - did all the letterhead, advertising, and signage change in an official manner each time?

 

[SteveRuger]

Sometimes I wonder if these subtle changes were actually supported by drawings/engineering decisions, as in P/N revisions?
Again I'll ask - did all the letterhead, advertising, and signage change in an official manner each time?

My understanding when Bill Ruger was calling the shots he was there to make money & he made sure you used up the old stock ( what ever it maybe ) then start using the new/revised of what ever that maybe unless there was a safety concern.
I was told that someone found a box of old stationary & Bill told them to use it up.
J/S