The ones with the lowest production numbers. (figured that will cover all the obvious serial # ___, the prototype _____, and all those types of responses of the obvious)

For actual production models and not the one-off's...There'd be a few I'd say... The Spanish engraved Single Sixes, the Tom Ruger Bisley's, 10 1/2" 357 Blackhawks...

I'd think each collector would have their own personal holy grail. What one would rank as "the one", another might not give much desire towards.

 

Have an appreciation for the collectors who have vast more knowledge of Ruger history than I do. In my dreams, my holy grail would be an engraved receiver Ruger No.1 International in .308.

 

Of course I'm going to say one of the 7 SRM serial numbered Maximum prototypes, one of the 3 existing stainless Maximums or one of the two Ruger Hawkeyes or #1's that were factory chambered in .357 Maximum. How about the only 15" old model Flattop? Think it was in .44mag may have been .357. Been over 25 years since I've seen it. Armex, Mexico, manufactured standard auto's are up there also. Coogs.

 

How about Maximum serial number 600-11588? That's gotta be a grail gun for at least one guy I can think of.

 

I'd like to have one of the prototype Mini rifles they tried to chamber in 308 if any still exist.

 

The XGI. There were a few in .243 also. Too bad they are only good as a safe queen.

 

I've heard the 9mm Speed Six is pretty hard to find. For me I'd love to get my hands on that 18 inch barrel Redhawk that's only sold in the UK. Someone posted a thread on here some time ago on that and I've wanted one ever since.

 

There are degrees of holiness, depending on your opinion . . . and budget.

There are the Spanish-engraved Single-Sixes and the Jerred-engraved versions.

There are 7-1/2" .44 Flattops and 6-1/2" Super Blackhawks.

There are the Hawkeyes.

There are "Red Eagle" .22 pistols.

There are all of the Lightweight versions of the Single-Six.

There are the factory-plated Single-Sixes.

There are the two prototype single-shot break-open pistols!!!

The original Flattops in .357 and .44 are still sought after by many. Just about the time they are priced where an everyday guy can afford one, they get parted out. Same with many of the Single-Sixes.

The 10" Flattops are quite interesting.

There are many others in the long gun families.

Something for everybody to pursue.

 

How about a fixed-sight, full-lug, 4" Stainless GP100 in .357 magnum...this configuration was never a production revolver.

 

How about a fixed-sight, full-lug, 4" Stainless GP100 in .357 magnum...this configuration was never a production revolver.

View attachment 19313

I'm sure you already know this, but for those out there that don't, this was an actual Ruger production gun with a model number: KGPF-341. Not many were made. I have one and got scammed trying to buy a second one (different story for a different day. Lesson learned.). I've only ever heard of a few others in passing. Finding another is one of my Grails. I also might like one of the 10/22 50th anniversary design contest winners as another Grail. Well, two actually; one for each of my boys.

GP100 KGPF-341 (along with a KGPF-340):

10/22 50th Design Contest Winner:

I have other Grails too and I'm sure I'll run across another Ruger Grail sometime. Good luck to everyone in their hunt for what you're after.

 

A No.1 V .280

 

Engraved Single Six's, or 10 inch Flattop .357.

 

How about a fixed-sight, full-lug, 4" Stainless GP100 in .357 magnum...this configuration was never a production revolver.

Wow a fellow with a like mind. Ditto, Ditto, Ditto ad infinitum. After the six series and of course due to cowboy shooting and their single actions, there a far to fewer Rugers with fixed sights for me. I just hate to see a factory (use to produce) model with fixed sights being traded around. It just lets me know once again I was asleep at the wheel when they were around. Darn. Smithy.

 

Yeah, Maximum serial Number 600-11588 is a grail, but I don't consider that as far out of reach as what my other choices were, Coogs.

 

i would like to find

a 10/17
a pc9

 

Other than a few pre-production models of the 10/17 you'd be out of luck. I do happen to know the location of a couple 10/17 factory marked bbls though. Maybe I can finally get one...or both.

 

There were a few of them that went at the Elmer Keith Gun Collection Auction that would be pretty high on my list:

Lot 1001: Factory Engraved Ruger Super Black Hawk Presentation to EK by Bill Ruger, SN 1806 for 1962
(Sold for $14,375.00)
Rare Factory Engraved Ruger Super Black Hawk Presentation to EK by Bill Ruger, SN 1806 for 1962 (Elmer Keith Estate Collection).

Lot 1002: Ruger Super Blackhawk Prototype .44 Mag SN 15527 from 1959
(Sold for $9,200.00)
Very Rare Ruger Super Blackhawk Prototype .44 Mag SN 15527 from 1959

Lot 1003: Flat-Top Ruger Blackhawk .44Mag #2331 with Keith Brass Frame Modification
(Sold for $10,350.00)
Rare Early Flat-Top Ruger Blackhawk .44Mag #2331 with Keith Brass Frame Modification, 4 5/8″ bbl and horn grips

Elmer Keith Gun Collection Up for Auction - Guns & Ammo

There were a ton of great guns at this auction. If I had to pick one Ruger as my grail gun. It would be Lot 1001. Ties to Bill Ruger and Elmer Keith is pretty awesome.

 

I have been looking for a KMK512GC made for Big Rock Sports and a KMK512P made for Outdoor Sports. I lucked into a couple of my holy grails. A MK678US 2 digit serial number NIB. And a KMK512B.

 

Red label shotgun for me. Maybe not for collectors.

 

I would have to go with the Ruger AC-556

 

Oooo.... The evil black Mini-14! Yep, that would be on my list.



Though I tend to fall for any engraved Ruger, the Spanish single sixes are on my list. Mark I pistols are there too, plus almost any Ruger Model 1. I'd love to see an Israeli special forces Ruger, I'm beginning to think they are a myth.



Jeff

 

If you are looking for a collectible because you love Rugers, there has been some good advice given here.

If you are looking for collectible guns that go up in value, there are a lot of better choices out there.

 

I'm not a "collector" so I don't worry about rarity.......

I would say if I had to pick one for me it would be the "urban legend" of the 6" fixed sight Service Sixes that were reportedly ordered by one or more PD"s but no one has ever reported seeing one......sure with some expert machining and fitting of a 6" Security Six barrel to a Service Six one could be made but not the same as "finding" one.

2nd place is a .380 Rim Service Six, I've seen many but never had the $7-800 at the time, missed the boat when you couldn't give one away......

.38 Special Security Six 6"?

Other than that my only "Holy Grails" are the Rugers that are high on my list........like a .45 ACP Redhawk, Match Champion, Bisley Vaquero .357, Single 7, etc.

 

.44 magnup gp100

Make one already!!!!!!

 

a folder ac 556 or that tech 9 looking pistol they made

 

Most don't know it unless you know the history of Bill Ruger, but the first gun he made was a machine gun, belt fed for military trials, from what I remember. That was even before the 22 red eagle, or any other gun he made, back when they were in the tool/ hardware business in its infancy.. Never seen pictures, or references to what happened to it. I bet it would be the upmost holy grail if it still exsists.

 

Unconverted 44 Mag Three Screw Flattop Blackhawk with factory fitted 6 1/2" Barrel. According to my reference, only 600 produced in 1966.

 

I realize this post is from a year and a half ago, but does anyone have a reference to this gun?

As far as I know, most of the Flattop .44s had 6-1/2" barrels, and the last ones were produced in 1963.

 

While not a firearm, I did see an eBay auction some time back for one of the Ruger egg beaters that used the grip frame from a standard pistol as the handle. Neat conversation piece but way to much $$$ for me.

 

I think they made a car, and some hardware tools in their early years as well, highly collectible, highly expensive.

 

One of my grail guns was a Woodside Red Label but I was lucky to find one at a reasonable price and check that off my list.
Hawkeye handgun remains on the list

 

Personally a Red Label or "two" has eluded my collection, 12 and 20 gauges would be nice.