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Ruger Mk I Serial Numbers
Ruger Mk Ii Serial Numbers

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Post subject:William B Ruger Endowment Special NRA Edition Mark II Pistol

Bearcat

Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2012 2:06 pm
Posts: 4
Location: arizona

I am curious about the opinions here of the value of a poster child pistol. By poster child, I mean a gun that was widely advertised with photos, in this case, the advertisement campaign announcing the 'William B. Ruger Endowment Special NRA Edition Mark II Pistol'. As a dealer back then, I was made aware of the coming introduction of the 'William B. Ruger Endowment Special NRA Edition Mark II Pistol' through Davidsons. The special flyer from Davidson's had a large color picture of the 'William B. Ruger Endowment Special NRA Edition Mark II Pistol'. The serial number of the pictured pistol could be seen easily which was NRA-00357. This first Bill Ruger comemmorative pistol was a combined project by Ruger, NRA and Davidsons. The first 500 serial numbers were available for a $100 donation to the NRA Foundation. I called Davidsons and asked if serial number NRA-00357 was available and was told it was already taken. Later, I was able to contact my salesman at Davidsons and asked again and yes!...it was available. I promptly made arrangements to secure that serial number. As the advertising campaign progressed, I collected a large number of industry publications that had color pictures of the pistol that clearly showed the serial number. Additionally, a special limited edition of the Blue Book of gun values was produced. The cover shows the pistol with the serial number clearly visible. As the purchaser of the serial number, I was allowed to buy a copy of the special edition Blue book, serialized 357 and personally signed by Wayne La Pierre and William B. Ruger Jr. I collected dozens of publications showing the pistol with serial number legible including Guns and Ammo, Shooting Industry, Gun List, American Firearms, American Handgunner, Davidson's Flyers, American Hunter, Shooting Times, Woman's Outlook, America's First Freedom, American Rifleman, Shotgun News, Special Advertising Clip Art from Ruger, plus, there are probably more publications that I missed that could be tracked down to add to the collection. The gun is still in mint condition in the original case which also bears the serial number. This is a unique gun, seen by tens of millions via the extensive advertising campaign. There is no comparison that I know of to base a value on. I had the gun at auction for $10,000.00 (ten thousand) and was tentatively sold at $7,500.00. The buyers wanted to make payments to which I agreed. Their first check cleared but, then, they defaulted. I waited nearly a year and contacted them asking what they wanted to do. I offered them their money from the first payment back but, they said they still wanted the gun. They sent another check but, that bounced. The last contact I had with them, they still wanted the deal but, I have given up on them. Upon selling, I will refund their total investment. Now, I am going to put it back up for auction and would be much obliged for your opinion as to what value to put on the gun and collection of industry publications that show the gun and serial number clearly. I am thinking back to the first selling price of $7,500.00..cash or cash and trade. I am grateful for any input you are willing to share. Thanks very much

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Jmb3675, The serial number history shows the starting serial number for each year. When the serial number reaches XXX-99999, a new prefix is assigned that may or may not be sequential. In this case, Ruger started at 227-98588 at the beginning of 2009. Soon after they ran out of numbers and started the new prefix of 270.
A minty and absolutely a beautiful Ruger model 77 RSI International caliber.308 MK II, serial number 789-88504 made in 2003 with 18 1/2' barrel, all factory original, an outstanding rifle for shooting or collecting. FFL including Arizona residents, MO, cashier's check.

The MK II ('Mark Two') was made from 1982 to 2005. It replaced the Standard, Ruger's first model, made from 1949 to 1982, and the MK I Target, made from 1951 to 1982.MK II variations include the Target models, which have heavier barrels and adjustable sights, and the 22/45 models, which have a polymer frame with a grip-angle that matches the Colt 1911 rather than the steel frame's Luger P08. Enter your Ruger® serial number above to view its model number, product line, caliber, production status, ship date and instruction manual. Note: This service is provided as reference only, and accuracy is not guaranteed. For specific questions or additional information, please contact Customer Service.

Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 7:55 am

Ruger Guru

Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2006 2:01 am
Posts: 1452
Location: Pidcoke, Texas, USA

It took me two reads to grasp that your #357 was the photo shoot pistol. Does that make it more valuable than the other 499? YES
I am assuming here that the issue was limited to 500 units. Is that correct?
Historically, these NRA Specials and Commeratives have not been highly collectable, in my experience- and opinion.
What are the 499 selling for? I would think that a 2X to 3X multiplier for the photo pistol is all that it would bring. I can hardly imagine it selling for $7500, much less the $10,000 to a Ruger Collector. I think you are going to have to find a 'deep pockets' NRA supporter to realize the value you place on this item.
Good Luck

_________________
El Numero Uno
'I do Ruger No. 1 Rifles'
http://www.classicsportingarms.com
http://www.rugersociety.com

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Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 8:36 am

Certified Ruger Maniac

Joined: Fri Jan 09, 2004 2:01 am
Posts: 6673
Location: Bowling Green, Oh

I am in agreement with El Numero Uno.....the fact that it is the one in all the photos is certainly a special feature but I would think the fact that no one has been willing to pay the price should speak loudly.....RR.

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Posted: Wed Jun 13, 2012 12:37 pm

Ruger Guru

Joined: Fri Jun 27, 2003 1:01 am
Posts: 12408
Location: Near North Woods,MINN, USA

_________________
SPLITZ
NRA BENEFACTOR
Arizona Arms Assn Life Member & Past President,1981/'86
Ruger Owners and Collectors Society
RCA Field Rep Emeritus
Minn Weapons Collectors
Colt Collectors' Assn<

Ruger Mk Ii Serial Numbers