Understanding Ruger Firearms by Serial Number
Ruger is a well-known and respected firearms manufacturer in the United States. The company has been producing high-quality firearms for over 70 years, and their products are popular among hunters, target shooters, and collectors alike. One way to identify and learn more about a specific Ruger firearm is by its serial number. In this article, we will explore the Ruger serial number system and provide guidance on how to use it to determine the age and model of your Ruger firearm.
The Early Years: 1949-1967
When Sturm, Ruger & Co. was founded in 1949, the company used a simple serial number system that started with “1” and incremented upwards. This system was used until 1967, when the company began to use a more complex system that included letters and numbers.
🔍 Note: During this period, Ruger did not keep detailed records of their serial numbers, making it difficult to determine the exact date of manufacture for some firearms.
The " Prefix System: 1967-1973
In 1967, Ruger introduced a new serial number system that used a prefix letter to indicate the year of manufacture. The prefix letters were as follows:
- 1967: “K”
- 1968: “L”
- 1969: “M”
- 1970: “N”
- 1971: “P”
- 1972: “Q”
- 1973: “R”
The prefix letter was followed by a series of numbers that incremented upwards.
The " Prefix System: 1974-1982
In 1974, Ruger modified the serial number system to use a two-letter prefix that indicated the year of manufacture. The prefix letters were as follows:
- 1974: “AH”
- 1975: “BH”
- 1976: “CH”
- 1977: “DH”
- 1978: “EH”
- 1979: “FH”
- 1980: “GH”
- 1981: “HH”
- 1982: “JH”
The " Prefix System: 1982-Present
In 1982, Ruger introduced a new serial number system that used a three-letter prefix to indicate the year of manufacture. The prefix letters are as follows:
- 1982: “JHW”
- 1983: “KHW”
- 1984: “LHW”
- 1985: “MHW”
- 1986: “NHW”
- 1987: “PHW”
- 1988: “QHW”
- 1989: “RHW”
- 1990: “SHW”
- 1991: “THW”
- 1992: “UHW”
- 1993: “VHW”
- 1994: “WHW”
- 1995: “XHW”
- 1996: “YHW”
- 1997: “ZHW”
- 1998: “AHT”
- 1999: “BHT”
- 2000: “CHT”
- 2001: “DHT”
- 2002: “EHT”
- 2003: “FHT”
- 2004: “GHT”
- 2005: “HHT”
- 2006: “IHT”
- 2007: “JHT”
- 2008: “KHT”
- 2009: “LHT”
- 2010: “MHT”
- 2011: “NHT”
- 2012: “OHT”
- 2013: “PHT”
- 2014: “QHT”
- 2015: “RHT”
- 2016: “SHT”
- 2017: “THT”
- 2018: “UHT”
- 2019: “VHT”
- 2020: “WHT”
The prefix letters are followed by a series of numbers that increment upwards.
Special Notes
- Some Ruger firearms, such as the Mark I and Mark II pistols, have a separate serial number system that does not follow the standard prefix system.
- Some Ruger firearms, such as the Ruger 10⁄22, have a serial number system that uses a combination of letters and numbers to indicate the year of manufacture.
- Ruger has also used special serial number prefixes for certain models, such as the “ Ruger Redhawk” prefix for the Redhawk revolver.
🔍 Note: The information provided above is for general guidance only and may not be applicable to all Ruger firearms. It is always recommended to consult the Ruger factory or a qualified gunsmith for specific information about your firearm.
Conclusion
Understanding the Ruger serial number system can be a valuable tool for collectors, hunters, and target shooters. By using the prefix system and consulting the information provided above, you can determine the age and model of your Ruger firearm. However, it is always recommended to consult the Ruger factory or a qualified gunsmith for specific information about your firearm.
What is the Ruger serial number system?
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The Ruger serial number system uses a combination of letters and numbers to indicate the year of manufacture and model of the firearm.
How do I determine the year of manufacture of my Ruger firearm?
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You can determine the year of manufacture by using the prefix system. Consult the information provided above to determine the year of manufacture based on the prefix letters.
Are there any exceptions to the Ruger serial number system?
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Yes, there are exceptions to the Ruger serial number system. Some models, such as the Mark I and Mark II pistols, have a separate serial number system. Additionally, some models may have special serial number prefixes.
