RugerSociety.com

My first question for the group.
I had seen in price guides that guns with an "S" stamp had a premium but did know what that meant until my first Digest came in the mail last week and I read the article about the #58 Single Six (no dash, so why was there a dash in the text of the article?!??! ) and learned that it meant "second".
My question is was the "S" mark always in the same place on the gun in this case on the frame in front of the trigger guard? Or could it be some place else?
I have a Ruger revolver with an "S" stamped on top of the barrel....
JAY

Most of the old model Rugers had the "s" stamped in front of the trigger guard to indicate a second. Some of the Light Weights had the S added as part of the serial number while others underneath in front of the trigger guard. Some seconds didn't get marked anywhere, .41 Mags and some HawKeyes come to mind

What revolver do you have with a S on the barrel? Have only heard of this on Hawkeyes which is their proof mark.
FT44

Flattop44,
Thanks for the reply
It is a Hawkeye, so therefore it is a proof mark.
Since I don't know what a proof mark is or it's purpose
I will search the archive of the forum for info on proof marks.
If I don't find anything I will post another question.

Cheers,
JAY

Jay, Ruger and other firearms manufacturers fire very high pressure "proof loads" to ensure the firearm will withstand normal loads without a problem. Ruger then stamps the "S" to indicate that the firearm has been proofed. Revolvers have it stamped on the cylinder. The Hawkeye chamber is in the barrel thus that is where the S got stamped.
FT44

FT44,

I did not know that.
Thanks for the info!

JAY