Ruger Factory Letters

[Doc4429]

I am a little out of my element, but years ago the RCA issued certificates verifying the configuration of a Ruger firearm and its shipping information. At that time, someone in the RCA had access to Ruger's invoices, etc. in order to provide the information. Could something like that be implemented again to provide "letters" to Ruger collectors.

Letters of authenticity on S&W firearms have been provided by the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation since 2016, and Colt Archives, LLC provides letters on Colt firearms. The firearms companies are not (or only minimally) involved in the process, and do not spend anything in support of it.

If something like "Ruger Archives" was formed, access to invoices would have to be negotiated with Ruger and the cost of a letter would most likely increase significantly. The cost of a letter for S&W firearms is $75-$100 and at least that or more for a Colt firearm.

If collectors cannot letter the Rugers in their collection, I believe the hobby will suffer in the long run. However, if the consensus is the hobby is OK without letters of authenticity, then perhaps it doesn't matter.

Bill
Chairman, Smith & Wesson Collectors Association
Chairman, Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

[LDB]

I have one Ruger letter. For $10 what was there to think about? I'm probably cheaper than most. I probably wouldn't think about it up to $25. Anything more and I'd have to debate it. I wonder if Ruger had increased letters to $20 or $25 if they wouldn't have been feasible where $10 wasn't enough to cover and make some profit. Moot now, but they'd have to be careful not to price out of the market.

[flattop44]

I think Doc has a good idea. We need to see if we can get that to happen. It is very important for Collectors. I will certainly talk to some serious collectors and see if e can make it happen.
FT44/Bill