Ruger #3 serial #'s..

[single hunter]

I checked this web site(http://www.sixgunner.com/FAQ/ruger_serial_numbers4.htm) about the serial numbers, but found that it didn't make any sense. The number I was told was on the rifle was 132-36XXX. The web site says that all the serial #'s were 130 until 1980 and then they were "intermixed". Would that mean that they "intermixed" the numbers clear up to 132 digits, maybe throwing together a bunch of odd ball #3 levers with #1 actions to get rid of the left overs before they ended that make all together?

[ReedG]

Hi Single Hunter:

My "interpretation" of the Ruger serial number chart would be that from 1980 they no longer had one series of numbers for the No. 1 and another series for the No. 3, but they were number with the same series. Not even sure when they stopped the No. 3, but it was a mistake.

[Florida Jim]

According to the book "BILL RUGER AND HIS GUNS". In 1968 they started using a 130 prefix, 130-00000 to 130-49998. The #3's were numbered 130-50000 to 70344 until 1980. From 1980 until discontinued about 1986 the numbers were mixed with #1's. The #1's continued with 131-00000to 54116, 132-00000 to 99999, 133-0000 on. Not all serial numbers were used.
Again my source is "BILL RUGER AND HIS GUNS" copyright 1996
ISBN # 0-684-80367-4

I hope this helps.

Jim

[single hunter]

Thanks for the info... It's much appreciated.


single hunter