Ruger 357 Maximum with 7.5" Barrel.

[JHT]

Many years ago I purchased a lonely Ruger 357 Maximum with a 7.5" barrel that was languishing in the back of a dark and dreary shelf at one of my favorite gun shops.  While it's original box was long lost, the condition of the Ruger was quite impressive, as it displayed no scratches nor rub markes, nor dings.  The Ruger appears to have never been shot after it left the factory.  The salesman who I have dealt with in excess of 15 years and who I seriously trust indicated to me that the store had purchased the Maximum from a fellow that maintained a collection of "safe-queens."  This gun and several others were given the proverbial axe, by the seller, due to the seller's need for quick cash.

My question is whether this Ruger 357 Maximum with a 7.5" barrel in outstanding condition is highly sought after?  If so, how desirable in dollars would the example be worth?  Unfortunately, I do not have the serial number, of the gun, at hand.  I will gladly supply the number if that is of any import to the members of Graybeard Outdoors.

All opinions well be read fully and given full consideration .  Thank you for investing your time in responding to my inquiries.

JHT

Another element to consider. I wish to build a 475 or 500 Linebaugh Long, but this would involve cannalbalizing the Ruger Maximum for needed parts.

The entire topic that involves the future of this 357 Maximum is now in doubt.  Please take the time to suggest opinions on how this connumdrum may or should be resolved.

[creekbear]

I have one of the 10 1/2 inch barreled Rugers in 357 MAX ,dont know what the value of this gun is as far as collectors go but according to some info in another post there were only 16000 and some change made. I know that is a big number but if you think about it that is on the whole planet. I hate to heat that you are considering cannibalising since it is a great gun,but on the other hand it will just make mine worth more in the long run. Good luck on what ever you decide.

                                                                                                                                                      creekbear

[Graybeard]

I believe it is quite collectable among those who collect such things and if truly unfired that I'm sure adds even more value but lack of box is a detractor of price. Value I have no clue as I'm not even a person who particularly likes Rugers much less a collector of them. Collectors hate to hear anyone might do anything to hurt such a gun but it's yours and you can do as you wish with it.

[2 dogs]

I bought my first Maximum for 620 USD and my second one for 550. I would imagine they go up from there.

I dont know too many sixgunsmiths still building the LL's except for the original. I would suggest you stop and shoot your maximum 357 before you do anything else. I was stunned at how accurate mine was, and am loathe to take such a fine sixgun apart for a conversion.

Have a look at the standard 475L as it  has all the power one could want. Ross Seyfried wrote about killing a buffalo with his with something like a 420 LBT bullet at about 1350 fps or so, IIRC, and it completely penetrated a buff breaking both shoulders at 70 yards or so....Not sure anyone could use much more power than that.

If you care to see pics of my 475L send me a request at fcgarza0640@hotmail.com and I will send you some.

[Flash]

Go to this site and in the "Collectibles" category, post your question with some details about condition and serial number. There is a member there who goes by the name  of "Flat Gate" that will answer all your questions.

http://www.rugerforum.com/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/rugerforum/Ultimate.cgi?action=intro

[Lloyd Smale]

some good advice given here. Prices start at about 500 for guns for projects and go up from there. Project guns dont come up much anymore and id think that 500 dollar start is going to sneak up fast. No clue as to what yours is worth without the box but I know ive sold boxes for rugers for as much as the gun is worth so they add substantialy to the worth of the gun. As to the maximum thing 2 dogs hit it pretty well. If you havent shot a max you probably dont want one! There in another leauge even then the standard linebaughs for recoil. 5 shots with full power loads and this man will put one down!! and like in the 500 smith your not gaining much anyway as cast bullets over about 1300 fps out of a handgun tend to penetrate less rather then more. Also brass and dies are much more expensive and the cost of the gun itself will be double what a standard linebaugh conversion will run you. If it were me id leave it alone and shoot it or sell it to pay for something youd really like to shoot.

[JHT]

I thank all of you for your input.  I had John L. build me one of his .475's approximately 5 or 6 years ago and would never part from it.  It's possess' all of the attributes that a good custom smith can impart into his work and it also possess' the power that several of you have mentioned.  I have had the "wants" to purchase a Maximum since the time that I acquired the "regular" .475 Linebaugh.