Found another 44 Flat top

[kings6]

A few weeks ago I posted a question about factory ivories on old model flat tops. I was considering bidding on a 6 1/2" 44 that supposedly was unfired and came with factory ivory grips. As you know, this accessory would not be found on the original invoice and several of the experts here thought that they were probably after market ivories due to the serial number on the backs matching the gun (not standard for Ruger) and because the emblems appeared to be placed too far back from the front edge. Once I had the gun in hand I tok the calipers and compared the emblem placement on this gun to the placement on my other 44 flat tops and they are in the same place as the wooden grip panels.

The gun does appear unfired but someone did improperly lower the hammer on at least one occasion so there is a faint line where the bolt contacted the cylinder. Overall I am pleased with the gun and the ivory grips are as nice as any of the other ivories that reside in the safe.

I even like the palindrome serial number.

[aciera]

Nice score ..........

[AxeHandle]

Dang man... Those photography skills are showing up again.. The light color grips on dark guns has been a challenge to me too. If the snow will melt I might get some out and see if I can determine what a trick ot two might be..

IIRC isn't there some sort of rule about all the palindrome number Rugers must come to me? I believe we set a precidence with the palindrome brassie SBH...

[kings6]

All in good time my friend, all in good time. You know where it lives and you know I can't seem to keep my hands on a stock Ruger. ;D

[Lee Martin]

Factory or no factory on the grips, that's quite a find. Thanks for sharing the photos.

Lee
www.singleactions.com

[wickerbill]

It looks good to me.
Bill

[Frank V]

Very Nice, Thanks for sharing with us.
Frank

[Mark Terry]

I don't understand (it is a fabulous gun and it's not surprising Robb found it). First Robb's photography improves and now the vortex seems to be shifting dramatically north and westward.

What's going on here?

[AxeHandle]

Praise the Lord for the vortex shift! But "Robb's photography improves" And to think... I missed it!

[ezekiel38]

While I don't care for any Ruger or Smith over 5.5 inches in bbl length, your Blackhawk with the Ivories is very appealing. Hope you shoot the snot out of it and enjoy all the facets that a SBH has to offer.

[kings6]

You are utterly heartless my friend, truthful but heartless. Don't worry, the vortex hasn't shifted. Axe should have a new toy to post soon I hear! ;D

[AxeHandle]

You know it! Talked to my FFL yesterday. He was in his shop Friday. We are guessing that with all the snow delays there was a new delivery man who didn't know which door to knock on.. Monday is looking good!

[Deleted]

That's my kind of gun. Love the ivories.

[sixshooter]

Any idea how many sets of factory ivories were shipped?

[kings6]

I am not sure if anyone, even the factory, knows how many sets of ivory grips they did. They were not mentioned on the original invoices but were listed as accessories from what I understand. Kind of like the OM super I sold to Axehandle that had the factory letter stating that it was shipped with a brass gripframe as an accessory. These are definitely NOT factory ivory and I would never try to sell them as such but they apparently are the same age as the gun and who knows if ruger had a different vendor do some grips or if the original purchaser had someone do them right away. Regardless, it is still an old neat gun I'll enjoy for awhile then probably move on to someone else. Factory style guns just seem to slip through my fingers.