I was able to acquire a "Serial numbering/start and stop" log book for the/a roll marking machine at Ruger. Unfortunately it is not complete as the first numbers recorded for the Max are in the 600-07500 range. (by the way, thanks Don!) There are only 11 separate days recorded, from 11/17/82 to 6/19/84. The most that were roll marked in one day was 1725, the least 33. Bad reports started getting back to Ruger about the Max in early 1983, maybe even earlier. I have several letters from individuals siting top strap cutting, forcing cone erosion and brass spitting. 3/11/83 there were 709 roll marked. On April 11, 1983, Ruger notified all Ruger dealers, by letter.
"Dear Ruger Dealer,
We have temporarily stopped shipping Ruger Blackhawk SRM .357 Maximum Single Action Revolvers because extended testing in the last few months has revealed some problems related to erosion in the breech and forcing cone of the barrel, and on the underside of the top strap of the frame, just over the barrel-cylinder gap."
There were no additional frames roll marked until 7/1/83 when only 33 were completed. Records indicate that at least 5 of those 33 were used as test guns. There were no more Maxi's roll marked until 6/18/84 and 6/19/84 (which was the last day for the Max roll marking) with a total of 2,185 frame completed, 600-16314 being the last one. The high quantity roll marked those two days was probably in anticipation of the "re-release" of the Max. A letter from Tom Ruger, Vice President of Marketing, to all dealers, dated May 30, 1984, states "The first item of news that we have for you is that we will be resuming shipments of the Ruger Blackhawk SRM .357 Re. Max. revolvers in July, 1984."
Well, we all know that really didn't happen.....more to follow..........Jack.
MORE MAX INFO
Re: MORE MAX INFO
That is very interesting info Jack, thanks for sharing it with us.
Bill
Bill