Well i did it again folks. I went to look at the Taurus M44 I had asked about before on this forum. I look and talk to the guy there. He showed me a Ruger Redhawk in 44mag with a 5 1/2 barrel. It was used but I don't think it was ever fired after it left the factory. The Finish had NO markings on it no wear. The grip looked new. Well I looked at the ticket. $429.00 Hmm Not bad that is about 100 Cheaper than a new one. ANd what is this. "Box and Manuel" included. Hey cool!! so I got it instead of the taurus. Well I don't know when it was made but it is an old one. The box and Books are in great condition but they are discolored from age. The original Warrenty card and even a flyer to buy Ruger products was incuded. The box is dated January 1978 but I didn't think the redhawk came out untill 1979? The gun is so smooth I can't believe it.And I must say. MY GOD THAT IS A BIG BULLET. I put a 9mm Hydrashok next to a 44 Hydrashok and ther is NO comparison. Is there anyway I can tell about when this gun was made?
My god this is a nice gun
- Thread starter Kevinw
- Start date
usncorpsman
New member
Kevinw,
When I have purchased used pistols/revolvers I have written the manufacturer, listing, of course, the serial number of the piece and they have always been able to give me close dates of mfg.
Sounds like you really got a keeper! Great.
usncorpsman
When I have purchased used pistols/revolvers I have written the manufacturer, listing, of course, the serial number of the piece and they have always been able to give me close dates of mfg.
Sounds like you really got a keeper! Great.
usncorpsman
You did, indeed, get a great deal. If it were mine, I would think a while about firing it if it is a virgin. There may be no collectors value at all or there may be. You might want to ask the specific question on date of mfg in Harley Noldens research forum. I looked on the Ruger website and was disappointed to see that they have recently removed the product year reference page.
Check the Ruger website for a chart showing serial numbers by date. It's VERY ballpark, but it will give you a starting point. <Oops, perhaps it's no longer online. 
>
Also, check the cover of the manual, often there is a two digit date code, such as B/78, that will give you the date the manual was written or revised. That won't provide the date of manufacture of your new toy, but at least it will provide food for thought until the phone line opens on Wednesday!
Regards,
--
Brian
[This message has been edited by brionic (edited June 06, 2000).]
>Also, check the cover of the manual, often there is a two digit date code, such as B/78, that will give you the date the manual was written or revised. That won't provide the date of manufacture of your new toy, but at least it will provide food for thought until the phone line opens on Wednesday!
Regards,
--
Brian
[This message has been edited by brionic (edited June 06, 2000).]
Cool thanks guys. I am NOT a ruger fan so this was a bit coup for me to buy this gun. but I can't stop thinking aobut how much fun it will be to shoot. The book had the code KH1/12-82 I am guessing this means December of 82. I will try to contact Ruger and find out. Does anyone know how they are at responding to emails, calls, or letters?