Learned something interesting today about Ruger

[Richard22]

I've been eyeing a new Ruger Hawkeye that's on the shelf of one of my favorite gun stores but couldn't find it listed on the Ruger website to read more about it. It has all the appearance of being one of their 100th Anniversary of the .270, Hawkeye rifles but does not have the decorative floorplate that comes with these rifles. And that rifle appears to use the same unique walnut stock as their Hawkeye African models. According to the store employee who happened to be working the counter (who also considers himself a collector of Ruger rifles), the company has a reputation for building scratch rifles that never appear in their catalog. In this case, it appears they may have ended up with extra .270 barrels and African stocks and decided to create a few of these "one offs" for lack of a better word. Then they contact the better gun stores directly to see if they're interested in buying and selling them. Not sure if that could make them more valuable down the road.

Anyone ever found and purchased a Ruger that never appeared in their catalog, such as a model in a specific caliber that was never shown as being available?

 

[winmag]

The problem with one-offs is proving they were produced by the factory and not some random guy in his basement. If you had a factory letter then it would be collectible, otherwise no.

 

[Richard22]

The problem with one-offs is proving they were produced by the factory and not some random guy in his basement. If you had a factory letter then it would be collectible, otherwise no.

Would that not be as simple as contacting Ruger and asking for the production date and model information based on the SN?

 

[kodiakisland]

Like many companies, Ruger likes to empty parts bins. Quite a few examples over the years of non standard production. Ruger should be able to tell you exactly how it was shipped.

 

[std7mag]

There's a company called Lipsey's that handles a bunch of special one offs from Ruger.
They then sell to gun shops also.
I see they have a 77 Hawkeye listed in 270 Win with a 22" barrel and ebony tip on the forestock.

 

[winmag]

Would that not be as simple as contacting Ruger and asking for the production date and model information based on the SN?

Some companies keep better records on configurations than others.

 

[PsRpOiGrRiAtM]

There's a company called Lipsey's that handles a bunch of special one offs from Ruger.
They then sell to gun shops also.
I see they have a 77 Hawkeye listed in 270 Win with a 22" barrel and ebony tip on the forestock.

This is most likely the case. They are one of the more prolific sellers of exclusive Rugers. I can say with a level of confidence that Ruger doesn't ship a rifle made of items out of its "parts bins." Each unique sku needs a BOM and a set of criteria to be made and listed for their resellers.

 

[Rack Daniels]

Very interesting, following along.

 

[winmag]

Ruger made a Hawkeye African in 270 Win, which is UPC 736676571666. Is that the one you've been eyeing? If so, that one is a recognized configuration.

 

[Cap’n Crunch]

Learning & waiting……

 

[longbow51]

I know Lipsey's did an African-looking 7mm-08 that was stamped as the equivalent Rigby caliber.

 

[geetar]

Ruger makes quite a few " distributor exclusives " and anniversary models. Last year they did an anniversary model for the 10-.22 that included the classic red rubber pad and a distributor exclusive Hawkeye in .257 Bob

 

[Redmt]

It seems Ruger does a lot of short run rifles, 50th anniversary etc. I have a #1 stainless laminate in 22-250 that is a short run anniversary edition for Cabela's. The only difference in it is the commemorative. cardboard box.

 

[ismith]

I know Lipsey's did an African-looking 7mm-08 that was stamped as the equivalent Rigby caliber.

You’re thinking 275 Rigby, which is a 7x57 Mauser.

 

[Richard22]

Ruger made a Hawkeye African in 270 Win, which is UPC 736676571666. Is that the one you've been eyeing? If so, that one is a recognized configuration.

No, the model I handled yesterday carries the Ruger model code 57167, which isn't shown on the Lipsey's website either. I was able to find it shown on a couple of smaller FFL dealer websites, which goes with the comments shared with me yesterday how Ruger reaches out directly to dealers after creating these limited runs. No iron sights on this one and more of a direct match of the 270 Anniversary model but without the decorative floor plate.

 

[PsRpOiGrRiAtM]

There you have it