Information Needed - The Firearms Forum

mgosr · 07-18-2012, 12:37 AM

I recently purchased a New Model Blackhawk serial number 32-10932. I called Ruger and they could not date this without my $10 as it is not in their electronic database.
Afterwards, I was cleaning the cylinder with a soft toothbrush and noticed 932D etched into the face of the cylinder.
Anyone have any ideas as to the meaning of the etching or the real date of manufacture of this .357 Magnum?

Thanks!

HossFly · 07-18-2012, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgosr

I recently purchased a New Model Blackhawk serial number 32-10932. I called Ruger and they could not date this without my $10 as it is not in their electronic database.
Afterwards, I was cleaning the cylinder with a soft toothbrush and noticed 932D etched into the face of the cylinder.
Anyone have any ideas as to the meaning of the etching or the real date of manufacture of this .357 Magnum?

Thanks!

Are you sure about the serial number? 32-10932 seems to fall between 1973 & 1974 - Thats in between new & old model production?

mgosr · 07-18-2012, 10:35 AM

After further research I discovered mine is one of the earliest of the New Model Blackhawks. It is likely to have been produced before the official release date so Ruger would have inventory. It is much like an auto manufacturer producing cars in August 2012 and releasing the model line in September, yet be able to state it is the 2013 model. I hope that is more clear than mud.
What I still am trying to decode is the cylinder number etching. If it were a convertible model, which I suspect a real possibility, it should have only the last three digits etched, not stamped, onto the cylinder. Stamping seems to have distorted the throats of the cylinders. Mine not only has the last three digits of the serial number etched onto the cylinder, but those digits are definitely followed by the letter D. And, having been a machinist, I can tell for certain it was not added later.
I am not saying I have a rare bird, but should it be, it should belong to someone who would appreciate that value. Any ideas?

HossFly · 07-18-2012, 12:52 PM

Your best bet is to go to the rugerforum.com & ask there. Those guys are die hard ruger

Hawg · 07-18-2012, 01:13 PM

Ruger electro pencils part of the serial number on the face of cylinders that come with convertible guns.

mgosr · 07-18-2012, 01:46 PM

Hawg and any others,

Ruger etches or stamps the last three digits of the serial on convertible cylinders. But why did they add the letter D after the one for my .357 New Model Blackhawk?

07-18-2012, 12:37 AM	#1
mgosr Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Posts: 3	Information Needed I recently purchased a New Model Blackhawk serial number 32-10932. I called Ruger and they could not date this without my $10 as it is not in their electronic database. Afterwards, I was cleaning the cylinder with a soft toothbrush and noticed 932D etched into the face of the cylinder. Anyone have any ideas as to the meaning of the etching or the real date of manufacture of this .357 Magnum? Thanks! --> Last edited by mgosr; 07-18-2012 at 12:39 AM.. Reason: Added caliber.

07-18-2012, 10:35 AM	#3
mgosr Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Posts: 3	Re: Information Needed After further research I discovered mine is one of the earliest of the New Model Blackhawks. It is likely to have been produced before the official release date so Ruger would have inventory. It is much like an auto manufacturer producing cars in August 2012 and releasing the model line in September, yet be able to state it is the 2013 model. I hope that is more clear than mud. What I still am trying to decode is the cylinder number etching. If it were a convertible model, which I suspect a real possibility, it should have only the last three digits etched, not stamped, onto the cylinder. Stamping seems to have distorted the throats of the cylinders. Mine not only has the last three digits of the serial number etched onto the cylinder, but those digits are definitely followed by the letter D. And, having been a machinist, I can tell for certain it was not added later. I am not saying I have a rare bird, but should it be, it should belong to someone who would appreciate that value. Any ideas?

07-18-2012, 12:52 PM	#4
HossFly V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 99	Re: Information Needed Your best bet is to go to the rugerforum.com & ask there. Those guys are die hard ruger __________________ TEXAN BY BIRTH & CHOICE USMC '67-'70 VIET NAM VET NRA MEMBER

07-18-2012, 01:13 PM	#5
Hawg Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,558	Re: Information Needed Ruger electro pencils part of the serial number on the face of cylinders that come with convertible guns.

07-18-2012, 01:46 PM	#6
mgosr Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains Posts: 3	Re: Information Needed Hawg and any others, Ruger etches or stamps the last three digits of the serial on convertible cylinders. But why did they add the letter D after the one for my .357 New Model Blackhawk?