^Lot 2581 RUGER FIRST YEAR STAINLESS OLD ARMY REVOLVER.

Cal. 45 Long Colt. S# 903. Bbl. 7 1/2" with ramped base having pinned blued serrated blade front sight; frame mounted factory adjustable rear sight. Mfg. 1975 as first year of stainless model (1975-2009) without serial number prefix (also in 1976; 7,790 without prefixes). Blued Old Army models (1972-2009) and later stainless models all had serial number prefixes (140-148). Change to prefixes was dictated by ATF which also states that henceforth this is not classified (and can't be changed back) as an Antique due to the replacement of the factory percussion cylinder with a cartridge cylinder by R&D which is an early nickel plated example (company later switched to stainless). Barrel has Southport address and is without "warning marks" (initiated 1978). Factory smooth walnut grips with silver eagle medallions. Wide, Super Blackhawk style serrated trigger in Blackhawk sized grip frame. CONDITION: very good to excellent overall appearance with evidence of once being used with black powder; grips are somewhat darkened with faint handling marks plus sides of hammer enclosed within the frame and sides of grip frame under grips have cleaned pitting. Exterior has appearance of light polishing beyond factory finish. Bore and cylinder are near excellent. Noticeably smooth mechanical functioning. PROVENANCE: From the Buckstix Collection. (25-6330/NW). CURIO. $650-900.