Update on Factory Letters

[Ruger44fan]

I recently talked to the lady in Southport that does the research letters. They are now up and in operation with ALL requests processed and in the mail within two weeks! The bad news is that they have drastically limited the info that they will provide. They ONLY give the model (which in itself gives the barrel length) and its shipping date. They do not verify if someone famous had the firearm (such as Elmer Keith), nor do they verify the type of grips the firearm was shipped with. I just got 34 letters for myself and others (I wrote for them all) and this is all that they will give for info now. You can go to Poulin's Auctions web site that is having some of the Elmer Keith guns (along with Julia's Auctions) and see a sample of a factory letter by looking at items #3260, 3262, and 3270 to see an actual photo of the letters. These were Elmer Keith revolvers and even though I asked for Keith verification, only what you see is the response. Older letters like the one shown on Gunbroker that is advertising Jim Carmichael's #140-00020 Old Army show that it was for a celebrity. The Old Army in Poulin's Auction with #140-00015 did not verify that it was Elmer Keith's. A "used" 10/22 DSP that I have that belonged to a Ruger Executive and had his name on the box came back only as "U" in the serial number with a shipping date, model, and caliber. A SP101 that was verbally (some time ago) acknowledged to have been to the SHOT Show, has a "chicken's foot" in the serial number to indicate "used" and its letter came without acknowledgement of the "used" status or the fact that it was given a high polish for promotional purposes. Also it had its firing pin removed for safety and then re-installed with a "rough" lock pin holding it in. In summary, my cover letter signed by Linda M. DeProfio states that "As a service to our customers, we offer a Letter of Authenticity which lists the serial number, ship date, model and caliber. We are unable to provide any information beyond that."

[rowdy1972]

I RECIEVED A FEW LETTERS A WHILE AGO AND IN MY EYES THEY AINT WORTH 10 BUCKS

[hbone]

It is a shame that Ruger cannot provide the type of letters that, Smith & Wesson, Colt and Winchester do. Their letter heads and the artistry are very professional and historical. I would think that this would be a great tool for Ruger to showcase their firearms through these letters. We will just have to keep beating the drums until they get the message.

[Dang Picken]

Ruger are letters are a total waste of time and money .Why bother at all if you can not provide even basic information, caliber ? . Any Ruger book can tell you the year of manufacturer if they came out in order and they do not .Example the Ist Ruger Collectors gun with Gold Ruger inlay. They can not even tell you that it was done or who done it .Bill Ruger told me many , many years ago that he did not believe that his guns should be collected . Hince so few engraved guns or guns with any special features , If any thing you collect calibers , barrel lengths , mistakes or other fall through the cracks odd balls or duplicates or may be a cut away . cons numbers .

[d findley]

It is not that they don't have the information you seek; they will not give it to you. They will not even sign those $10 letters. Very disappointing.

[Doc4429]

It is too bad Ruger won't cooperate with collectors as it would give our hobby a boost while providing some great information about firearms in our collections.

Bill Cross

[hittman]

Last fall I asked for a letter on what I thought was an odd or rare double action. I completed the form, enclosed the $10 check and a cover letter explaining my thoughts. I asked them to please research my suspicions and I'd provide a credit card number for their labor costs.

In return I received the standard letter that ID'd the make, model and ship date. In addition, on a totally different style and color letterhead, I received a hand-signed letter with details confirming the facts about my "S" numbered gun.

At least in my case, they went above and beyond the call of duty.

[3000fps]

Recently, I had requested information on two of my #1's and received the standard reply and info which served my purpose. But it would be nice to be able to get more. As hbone stated "everybody keep banging the drum and they might get the idea" or something to that effect. Ruger is supposed to have a booth at the NWTF show here in Nashville next week and I'll bring it up with them. But last year I mentioned there was some bad press on the internet about the All Amercian Rifle triggers and they argued with me that there wasn't and they hadn't heard anything. I asked them if they kept up with the forums and they mumbled that they do sometimes. I'd imagine that somebody in this forum has access to someone in Ruger's upper management and would appreciate it they'd bring it to their attention. In the meantime, take every opportunity to "beat the drum" and get out message across

[Fox Mike]

I have had two occasions when the information given was obviously incorrect. I contacted them and the problem was solved and a new letter arrived. I feel, however, that if we have to dissect each letter for accuracy then what are we getting for our money. One instance was a Bearcat that the 'letter' said was shipped in 1953. Now I am sure that someone that doesn't know the Bearcat wasn't produced till 1958 would accept the "1953" as truth.

[MinorLV]

Good evening all...

I recently requested (6) letters to compliment some of my favorite DA from my Six Series collection. Learning about the history is part of the fun for me. Thus far the Ruger CS and Records teams have been very helpful so I am cautiously optimistic they will provide as much background as reasonably possible. Assuming I get quality information, I plan to request additional letters for my collection. I will update following receipt of my letters.

Best,

Michael