2013 Ruger Display

[d findley]

Here are pictures of Mike Splittgerber's 2013 display at the Minnesota Weapons Display Show. The subject of Mike's display is RSS serial number 28. Included are documents and letters relating to number 28. Ruger Single Six was produced in 1953. It remained at the Ruger Factory until a few years ago. For years Mike tried to get this revolver released to him. Mike receives/received serial number 28 as his "subscription" number. After years of unrelenting persistent campaign Mike located a high ranking official at Ruger who was not afraid to do the right thing. Finally, the Single Six # 28 was Mike's.
For those who think you have to have a display of a dozen or more Rugers to win; Mike took 2nd place with this display (1 revolver). The RSS # 28 tied for Best of Show.

[flattop44]

Man, another great display Mike. Hard to beat a 2-digit RSS!! Sure glad that you were able to endure and obtain this fine Low Number 28 Single-Six. This is also a very good example of how provenance and associated items really enhance and make a truly outstanding educational display.
FT44

[Charlie1022]

Wow what a great story! Thanks for sharing this information with everyone. It is so exciting to here about the many different special RYGER firearms from handguns to long guns. This is what makes collecting and displaying so fun. The joy in sharing the information about what you display so fun. Great job Mike!
Charlie1022

[T.A. Workman]

Mike,
Hard fought! But in the end you prevailed,
Congratulations.
Terry

[Hawkeye28]

Thank you for the kind and encouraging words and support. Part of the success in the completion was based upon the repro work that included copies of the letters I had (miraculously, I think) saved that told me the SN 28 gun was a prototype and never to leave the Ruger Master Collection. Additionally, I extracted a list of all the original owners of SN 1 through 27, courtesy of Chad Hiddleson's Red Eagle News, and displayed that list. Pointedly, how can SN 28 be a prototype, when the first 27 guns preceding it are not? SN 28 is just an early gun and the first one WBR decided not to send to someone "important", I would offer.