Ruger single six - Old Model, Flatgate

Gmony.308 · March 24, 2013, 01:27 PM

I have an old model flatgate single six in the 31XXX serial number that is prior to the 1956 start point. it is in better than 95% with Ruger black eagle stag grips and a pair of walnut grips. it has fixed sights a 5 1/2" barrel and is blued. I also have a holster and belt for it as well as other odds and ends. I inherited it from my best friend in 2001, and have only shot 1 cylinder through it. I'm not sure if he ever shot it (he never did that I knew of). It has never been modified according to Ruger and is totally unmolested.

I'd like to get some insights about it's potential value, collectability and anything else of valuable interest.

I may post a couple photos later, but not at this point.

Winchester_73 · March 24, 2013, 03:00 PM

I'd say its worth $600 to $800 given its condition. They are sought after. The stag grips are also valuable themself, $200 or more I'd say. Sounds like a nice package. I had one that I sold to a friend which was converted. I sold it for $300, but what are friends for, it was 95% or so itself.

newfrontier45 · March 24, 2013, 03:10 PM

If they are factory stags they're worth a lot more than that. I don't believe a flatgate Single Six is worth quite that much without its original box.

Gmony.308 · March 24, 2013, 03:58 PM

The grips have the Ruger Black Eagle emblem embedded in the upper neck.

Bob Wright · March 24, 2013, 04:38 PM

Any Flatgate will bring a premium. So will factory Stags. Think around $1,000.

Bob Wright

newfrontier45 · March 24, 2013, 11:01 PM

Lots of stags have the factory emblems and lots of fakes have been attempted over the years. It's difficult to prove it either way but the way the medallions are attached is usually a telltale sign. Flatgates do carry a premium but I don't think it would be $600-$800. That is, without the grips.

Gmony.308 · March 25, 2013, 12:32 PM

Here's a couple detail pics of the single six. I pulled the grips off to inspect them I'm pretty sure they are and factory and that they are not plastic. They logos match up perfectly and the backside indicates actual antler and cutting scores.

PetahW · March 25, 2013, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gmony.308

I have an old model flatgate single six in the 31XXX serial number that is prior to the 1956 start point.

I pulled the grips off to inspect them I'm pretty sure they are and factory and that they are not plastic. They logos match up perfectly and the backside indicates actual antler and cutting scores.

Er, while SN31xxx certainly dates to 1956, the Single-Six was first introduced in 1953.

FWIW, That's not how genuine Ruger factory stags are ID'd.

They are ID'd by examining the inside surfaces for certain factory markings, and the exact location (measurements) of the medallion from the top & front edges (which are documented).

.

newfrontier45 · March 25, 2013, 12:40 PM

Yes, the question is not whether or not they are real, it's whether or not they are factory stags. I would suggest posting some detailed pics at RugerForum.com, including the inside of the grips, in the collectibles section.

Looks like the gun is in really good condition though. You have a real prize, whether the grips are factory or not.

Gmony.308 · March 25, 2013, 03:57 PM

Thanks for the insights on the grips I will follow up on the Ruger forum about them and try to authenticate if their in fact factory.

As for the serial number the 1956 issue guns begin at 319XX and my gun falls into one of the 1955 guns without question. the SN is 31XXX, but well before the numbers of the 1956 guns.

PS I've had two different collectible gun dealers assure me that the grips alone would bring $250-$300.

newfrontier45 · March 25, 2013, 04:49 PM

Yep, ever since India stopped exporting it, real Sambar stag (not elk antler) is easily worth $250-$300 all by itself. As noted, factory stags are worth a lot more.

PetahW · March 26, 2013, 10:42 AM

FWIW, from the horse's mouth (Ruger), 1956 started @ SN 31857

http://www.ruger.com/service/product...RE-SSixSM.html

BTW, I've found that, over the years, most folks (dealers included) who offer an evlauation, backpedal pretty sharply if/when they're taken up on the value, as an offer for them to buy whatever.

.

newfrontier45 · March 26, 2013, 01:32 PM

Quote:

dealers included

Of course, they're in business to make profit. No profit, no business.

Gmony.308 · March 26, 2013, 06:18 PM

Quote:

FWIW, from the horse's mouth (Ruger), 1956 started @ SN 31857

I am well aware of the 1956 initial production serial number it's not a secret.

The gun is a 1955 production gun! Please let it go.

I would never consider "Trading" this gun into a dealer. there's not a dealer on earth that would pay the collector value or appraised value for a weapon.

newfrontier45 · March 26, 2013, 10:48 PM

You'll get screwed nearly every time selling to a dealer. If you do decide to part with it, online auctions are your best bet. Although I must say, if the stag grips prove to be aftermarket, you're better off selling them separately. Somebody might REALLY want your flatgate but not want to pay full price for the stags.

Gmony.308 · March 27, 2013, 03:43 AM

I inherited the revolver along with a Winchester model 75 bolt action from my best friend several years ago. After shooting it once I've stored it in my safe and only recently took interest in its value because I was thinking about shooting it again. Thankfully, I'll refrain from putting more ammo through it, and keep it as the momento it is.

edit: interestingly both guns are third year production models
Ruger Single Six -circa 1955
Winchester model 75 - circa 1940

newfrontier45 · March 27, 2013, 09:50 AM

You're obviously free to do whatever you wish with your own property and no one will judge you for putting it away. I would shoot it, a lot. I would shoot it, carry it and hunt with it. I'd do everything with it my friend no longer could. Stored in a box somewhere it's just property. Carried, shot and enjoyed, making countless trips to the range, the woods and fields it becomes something of real value. Something to ponder......

Gmony.308 · March 27, 2013, 06:30 PM

Newfrontier, I hear ya!

I shoot the snot out of the Winchester as di my friend. One of my favorite activities is head shooting squirrels at 50yard from sitting position with it. It just amazes me how accurate it is everytime! It's the closest I'll ever get to hanging in the wood with my bud.

The Ruger on the other hand I like to tinker with and mostly admire. It just warms my soul.

March 24, 2013, 01:27 PM	#1
Gmony.308 Member Join Date: March 6, 2013 Posts: 47	Ruger single six - Old Model, Flatgate I have an old model flatgate single six in the 31XXX serial number that is prior to the 1956 start point. it is in better than 95% with Ruger black eagle stag grips and a pair of walnut grips. it has fixed sights a 5 1/2" barrel and is blued. I also have a holster and belt for it as well as other odds and ends. I inherited it from my best friend in 2001, and have only shot 1 cylinder through it. I'm not sure if he ever shot it (he never did that I knew of). It has never been modified according to Ruger and is totally unmolested. I'd like to get some insights about it's potential value, collectability and anything else of valuable interest. I may post a couple photos later, but not at this point.

March 24, 2013, 03:00 PM	#2
Winchester_73 Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 2,863	I'd say its worth $600 to $800 given its condition. They are sought after. The stag grips are also valuable themself, $200 or more I'd say. Sounds like a nice package. I had one that I sold to a friend which was converted. I sold it for $300, but what are friends for, it was 95% or so itself. __________________ Winchester 73, the TFL user that won the west

March 27, 2013, 03:43 AM	#16
Gmony.308 Member Join Date: March 6, 2013 Posts: 47	I inherited the revolver along with a Winchester model 75 bolt action from my best friend several years ago. After shooting it once I've stored it in my safe and only recently took interest in its value because I was thinking about shooting it again. Thankfully, I'll refrain from putting more ammo through it, and keep it as the momento it is. edit: interestingly both guns are third year production models Ruger Single Six -circa 1955 Winchester model 75 - circa 1940 Last edited by Gmony.308; March 27, 2013 at 03:53 AM.

March 24, 2013, 03:10 PM	#3
newfrontier45 Junior member Join Date: February 23, 2012 Posts: 921	If they are factory stags they're worth a lot more than that. I don't believe a flatgate Single Six is worth quite that much without its original box.

March 24, 2013, 03:58 PM	#4
Gmony.308 Member Join Date: March 6, 2013 Posts: 47	The grips have the Ruger Black Eagle emblem embedded in the upper neck.

March 24, 2013, 04:38 PM	#5
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,989	Any Flatgate will bring a premium. So will factory Stags. Think around $1,000. Bob Wright

March 24, 2013, 11:01 PM	#6
newfrontier45 Junior member Join Date: February 23, 2012 Posts: 921	Lots of stags have the factory emblems and lots of fakes have been attempted over the years. It's difficult to prove it either way but the way the medallions are attached is usually a telltale sign. Flatgates do carry a premium but I don't think it would be $600-$800. That is, without the grips.

March 25, 2013, 12:40 PM	#9
newfrontier45 Junior member Join Date: February 23, 2012 Posts: 921	Yes, the question is not whether or not they are real, it's whether or not they are factory stags. I would suggest posting some detailed pics at RugerForum.com, including the inside of the grips, in the collectibles section. Looks like the gun is in really good condition though. You have a real prize, whether the grips are factory or not.

March 25, 2013, 03:57 PM	#10
Gmony.308 Member Join Date: March 6, 2013 Posts: 47	Thanks for the insights on the grips I will follow up on the Ruger forum about them and try to authenticate if their in fact factory. As for the serial number the 1956 issue guns begin at 319XX and my gun falls into one of the 1955 guns without question. the SN is 31XXX, but well before the numbers of the 1956 guns. PS I've had two different collectible gun dealers assure me that the grips alone would bring $250-$300.

March 25, 2013, 04:49 PM	#11
newfrontier45 Junior member Join Date: February 23, 2012 Posts: 921	Yep, ever since India stopped exporting it, real Sambar stag (not elk antler) is easily worth $250-$300 all by itself. As noted, factory stags are worth a lot more.

March 26, 2013, 10:42 AM	#12
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	FWIW, from the horse's mouth (Ruger), 1956 started @ SN 31857 http://www.ruger.com/service/product...RE-SSixSM.html BTW, I've found that, over the years, most folks (dealers included) who offer an evlauation, backpedal pretty sharply if/when they're taken up on the value, as an offer for them to buy whatever. .

March 26, 2013, 10:48 PM	#15
newfrontier45 Junior member Join Date: February 23, 2012 Posts: 921	You'll get screwed nearly every time selling to a dealer. If you do decide to part with it, online auctions are your best bet. Although I must say, if the stag grips prove to be aftermarket, you're better off selling them separately. Somebody might REALLY want your flatgate but not want to pay full price for the stags.

March 27, 2013, 09:50 AM	#17
newfrontier45 Junior member Join Date: February 23, 2012 Posts: 921	You're obviously free to do whatever you wish with your own property and no one will judge you for putting it away. I would shoot it, a lot. I would shoot it, carry it and hunt with it. I'd do everything with it my friend no longer could. Stored in a box somewhere it's just property. Carried, shot and enjoyed, making countless trips to the range, the woods and fields it becomes something of real value. Something to ponder......

March 27, 2013, 06:30 PM	#18
Gmony.308 Member Join Date: March 6, 2013 Posts: 47	Newfrontier, I hear ya! I shoot the snot out of the Winchester as di my friend. One of my favorite activities is head shooting squirrels at 50yard from sitting position with it. It just amazes me how accurate it is everytime! It's the closest I'll ever get to hanging in the wood with my bud. The Ruger on the other hand I like to tinker with and mostly admire. It just warms my soul.