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This Ruger T512 is an interesting piece. Records say it was manufactured in December 1981 but no record of when shipped or to who. Joe Bowman known as the Strait Shooter did have ties to the Sturm Ruger company. I was told it may have been a sample or made for display. I have done alot of research on this and believe looking at the work it may have been done by James Triggs. I just wonder if the gun was pulled from production and had the gold work done by Triggs as a gift to Bowman from the company. If you notice there are no other roll marks other than the serial number on this piece. If anyone has any information about this one please send me the information.

Picture of the other side.

Rick,
Very interesting piece indeed! Excellent score!!
The fact that there is no shipping information leads me to think you are on the right track with it being a gift from WBR.
Plus the embellishments on the pistol also bring Triggs to mind. I hope someone can help you clear up the mystery.
Terry

Don't know if this may help, but......I have Joe's Maximum, 600-16306, 8 numbers from the last one, 600-16314. It was roll marked on 6/19/84, manufactured and shipped in August of 1984 to the Gun Guardian Center-Houston in Stafford Texas and it was marked for Joe Bowman. Jack

Jim Triggs engraving patterns!

d findley wrote: ↑Sat Oct 04, 2025 10:36 am Jim Triggs engraving patterns!

Do you remember seeing any of Triggs’s templates for those patterns?

Here's a copy of Jim Triggs templates for Ray Morgan and Joe Bowman engraved guns.

Outstanding Bennett!!!

67stingray wrote: ↑Wed Oct 08, 2025 9:37 am Here's a copy of Jim Triggs templates for Ray Morgan and Joe Bowman engraved guns.

+1

Last week I tried to reach out to Ray Morgan. His wife did call me back and let me know Ray had passed away a few years ago. We did have a lengthy conversation about the old days. She did remember the image of the nakid woman but not the pistol in question. I did know Ray and Triggs were best of friends. I knew about the Triggs drawings posted earlier that is why I tried to reach out to Ray. I am confident that the work done on this T512 was actually performed by Triggs. As for the reason, as this is just my opinion that I believe it was done as a gift to Bowman from Bill Ruger because Rugers name is also on the receiver. Thanks to all who volunteered their information regarding this pistol.