What do I have? Seeking info from the gurus!

[mdorton]

I just purchased a Flategate that was manufactured in April ‘56 and shipped the same month according to Amy at Ruger on the phone. Waiting on Letter. Is far as I know, Ruger made 61000 flat gates from 54 to 57 consecutively serial numbered. However this gun has a serial number of 100,442! I have never seen anything like this. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[gunman42782]

With Ruger, they might have found a left over flat gate at the factory and just threw it together. They didn't like to waste parts. Or someone might have swapped out the regular loading gate for the flat one. Probably never know.

[Fox Mike]

That serial number places it as a 1958 model (88245-122479).

[rugerguy]

doubt that high a serial number they ( the factory) put in a flat loading gate as way too many folks had complained and had them changed out over the years BUT yes we too, I know I have , put flatgates in the guns for customers in the shop.... I happen to like them makes them look like Rugers NOT Colts !!!
Nice looking gun by the way, and yes even past the usage of the Premiere loading gates

[mdorton]

I agree with you all. Having been a collector of Ruger for 30 years, I have seen some my share of Ruger things, but…. If this gun left the factory in April ‘56, as Amy said, (I know, Who the hell is Amy.! ). It most definitely left the factory as a flattgate. It also has a type 2 ejector, cylinder pin and thin trigger. Again right on for ‘56. It should be in the 30k to 40 k number range. Just doesn’t look or smell like a parts gun, but who the hell knows! Glad I picked it up if nothing else to start a conversation with!

[chet15]

More than likely an error on Ruger's part with the factory letter.
The Round loading gate came about in March 1957... at approximately 62000.
What other components does your gun have? I also see a thick trigger which is also on par with a later made gun circa 100,000. An April 1956 flatgate will also have a small square serrated ejector button on it.
Perhaps the hand written day book record looked like a "1956" when it is really 1958?
Chet15

[hittman]

What did the Ruger letter say?