Got a call from the LGS about two new Ruger trade-ins that just came in yesterday. He said one is an early stainless Mini-14 and the other a nice No.1 in 45-70. I promptly asked him to hold the No.1 for me until I could get there. I made it down the next morning. When he brought it out from the back and up to the counter, I instantly noticed it was a No.3 not a No.1 and was a little disappointed. I looked it over and it was very lightly used and in excellent condition, a beautiful sample anyway you look at it. The price was a little more than I wanted to pay, and I was really wanting a No.1 anyways. He told me no problem and there was no obligation to buy it (I’m a regular there). I said thanks, and as I went to hand it back to him the “Made in the 200th Year of American Liberty” flashed across barrel and I pulled it back, thought for a second, and then handed it back to him saying, I’ll take it!
Now I know all 1976 Ruger firearms are stamped with the 200th Year logo, but I’m just a sucker for the Liberty guns, especially if they’re in nice shape.