MR-3DB Article in ROCS Digest and “A” marking in place of MR-3DB – Genuine Frame

[SteelShooter]

Looking to locate a back issue of ROCS Digest that covered the MR-3DB brass grip frames. Frowarded some information to Chad of RENE on a handful of brass grip frames that I have for his review. A number of them are marked with an “A” instead of the typical MR-3DB part number, along with Dohler Jarvis logo (DJ inscribed in a circle) followed by a “1” or “|” marking. It is not obviously a “1” to me, but more of a “|”.

Chad recalled, “An article appeared in ROCS just 2-3 years ago on the A marked frames. I haven't been able to locate that particular issue…”. He did question where the frames came from and they definitely originated from Southport, CT.

I found a posting on the ROCS forum, that dated February 21, 2016, that included a quote referencing a pending article, but it’s outside of the timeframe Chad remembered,

“Brass Frame wrote: I have written an article about the Ruger Brass Frame, part number MR3DB to be published in the next issue of the ROCS Digest. It contains the same information that .44 Flat Top has posted. I own a pair of the prototype New Model Brass Frames
They are not for sale, but show the validity of what Bill has stated. Because Ruger tried to make the "New Model" brass frames by a different method of casting, the frames were deemed unfit for sale. You will have to wait and read my article for further information. Brass Frame/Lee E”

Have attached photos of the right side of the brass frames in question, showing the anticipated MR-3DB marking and the “A” marking on a handful of unique brass grip frames.

Would appreciate any information, and if possible the issue/date of the ROC Digest that contains the information Chad spoke of, as I’d like to purchase a back copy if one is available.

Much appreciated!

[Brass Frame]

Look at the ROCS summer Report from 2023. This is a full pictorial publication of my "Class of Brass" display at the NRA Spring, 2023 gun show. I now own 5 New Model prototype Brass Grip Frames in different stages of production. Two brass frames contain the letter "A" as you discuss. These brass frames were made in Prescott by the casting division, sometime in the middle 1980s. This information is from John Dougan and Jim Hoobler, manager of the casting division at that time. Brass Frame/Lee

[Jim Hoobler]

Just to clear up one thing. I was never manager of the casting division. I was sales manager.

[Brass Frame]

Thank you Jim. Do you remember casting the Brass Frames for the New Model Rugers? Do you know the meaning of the capital A on some of these cast frames? Lee Sundermeier