Ruger Maximum production numbers

[coogs]

There is lots of FALSE information out there both in print and by word of mouth about Maximum production numbers. I've seen numbers like 7700 and as low as 400. According to the "start/stop" roll mark machine log book (yes I have it) There were 16,314 frames serialized. Now, that doesn't mean they were all assembled, but that is how many were produced. According to Ruger records everything ABOVE 600-11588 has been "scrapped" Between 600-11300 and 600-11588 there are several blocks (2 or more guns) and single numbers that have been "scrapped" I also have 50+ "scrapped" Maximums and the serial numbers are all over the place. There are even some two and three digit guns that have been "scrapped" One that did escape the scrapping is 600-14210, which I have. This Max was given to Joe Callahan, who worked for Remington, by Bill Ruger Jr.
Now all that being said, I may be going out on a limb here, I personally THINK that somewhere around 10,000+ have survived. Now, that does not include deducting the ones that have been converted to other calibers. There again, my opinion, I put that number around 1000+ (probably more) So, there you have it. I constantly receive and seek new info on the Max, who knows, maybe will even have to update this. Jack

[bamagreg]

I wonder how many Maximum cylinders got used up to make custom long cylinder guns on regular Blackhawk frames (and what happened to all of the Maxi frames that got their cylinders repurposed?)

[squawberryman]

I wonder how many Maximum cylinders got used up to make custom long cylinder guns on regular Blackhawk frames (and what happened to all of the Maxi frames that got their cylinders repurposed?)

Guilty as charged.

[bamagreg]

Jul 11, 2024 13:51:05 GMT -5 squawberryman said:

I wonder how many Maximum cylinders got used up to make custom long cylinder guns on regular Blackhawk frames (and what happened to all of the Maxi frames that got their cylinders repurposed?)

Guilty as charged.

Me too.  I didn’t commission them but I have 3.  2 44’s and a 45 Colt

[rvolvr]

Bamagreg posed the question "...what happened to all of the Maxi frames that got their cylinders repurposed?", and then offers that he has three. Along with
Squawberryman's one or more, do either of you care to shed light on the fates of those orphaned frames? I'm certainly curious. I have "a couple" Maxi's but have no intention of altering them in any way, other than wearing them out with due care and appreciation.

[rvolvr]

Bamagreg likely gets a pass, as it has now struck me that he may not know, having not commissioned those builds.

[bula]

I like to see the production numbers start climbing again, might be tempted. Never had an interest in the bore size, but now..?

[bamagreg]

Jul 14, 2024 11:12:08 GMT -5 rvolvr said:

Bamagreg likely gets a pass, as it has now struck me that he may not know, having not commissioned those builds.

Yeah I bought mine that way.  No idea what became of the frames.

[contender]

I have a question about some of the scrapped ones.

Did Ruger melt all the scrapped ones,, or were some just cut across the frame,, through the serial number? Seems I've heard of about 100 or so of guns that were cut,, yet saved as as complete guns, and later sold as destroyed parts.

Thoughts?

[coogs]

Most "scrapped" guns WERE melted......I think the ones that were cut were ones that Ruger tested. I have not gone through all of mine yet, I think I have about 40+ of them, but the ones I have looked out have all been tested, markings on the boxes with forcing cone depth and degree, bore diameters, etc. A lot of the testing was done by David as is evidence by his hand written comments on the boxes. He also tuned a lot of these guns per trigger pull.The guns were electric pencil engraved with the different test parameters. And sad to say two of the scrapped guns I have are stainless! And.......if I can ever figure out how to post pics you'll see some!

[contender]

If I read this right Jack,, you are saying you have 40+ of the cut guns?

If so,, do all of them have paperwork or markings about the tests done on them?

By chance,, do you have a serial number list of the cut ones? All of them?

I have seen a couple,, and would like to get more info on them.

[coogs]

I've got a list somewhere......they are all over the spectrum of numbers.......serial #92 to some in the higher 15,000's.....I haven't had a chance to go through all of them yet......none of them have paperwork, per se, just markings on the boxes or electric penciled on the guns them selves

[contender]

Interesting.

If you can find any more details,, please share them. I have a lead on getting one.