Deerstalker Serial Number Discrepancy

[Piranha451]

I own a Ruger Deerstalker Carbine (SN 20xx). The Ruger Serial number database on their site places it squarely in 1962 as the beginning SN for that year is shown as 1339. However, the letter I received from Ruger states it was mfg'd and shipped in November of 1961. I understand the database is not 100% accurate, but there is approximately a difference of 660 SNs between what the site shows as the first SN for 1962 and my rifle. I tried calling the records dept, but they are not accepting calls. Would it be possible for that large of a number of rifles to have been mfg'd and shipped that far out of sequence?

[chet15]

660 serial numbers off for a given year is not bad at all, and is probably as close as most will get.
After all, they shipped quite a few two and three digit Security-Sixes in 2005... 30+ years after they were made.
I know of a .44 flattop that shipped in 1974 when it should have left in 1958, also a Hawkeye in .256 that shipped in 1974.
We have a Super Bearcat that shipped in 1981 and there is at least one other Super Bearcat I know of that was shipped later than that.
Chet15

[Marksman]

I have one as well, sn: 2112 made in November of 1961. Is it possible that they serialized a large quantity of receivers in 1961 and then grabbed them out of sequence for assembly? Maybe the beginning of that batch was 1339 but ended in much higher numbers all intended for 1962 production.

[Piranha451]

Thank you both for your responses! At least this gives me some clarity. I was going to send a letter to the Records Department asking them to double check their finding.

[chet15]

I have one as well, sn: 2112 made in November of 1961. Is it possible that they serialized a large quantity of receivers in 1961 and then grabbed them out of sequence for assembly? Maybe the beginning of that batch was 1339 but ended in much higher numbers all intended for 1962 production.

The conformity to serial numbered receivers ends once the receivers come off the serial numbering machine. There are still a lot of operations that take place from that time until the gun finally gets testfired and shipped. A receiver or cylinder frame may sit there for years before it finally hits the shipping dock.
Chet15