[OGR]

Will a production Ruger Alaskan with a low serial (less than 500) become a collectible? Its NIB as it is but I've got an itch to take it out to the range and get comfortable with it.

thoughts?

[DaleCooper51]

Did you buy the revolver to sit in a safe and occasionally take out and appreciate or to shoot?

I would shoot it and enjoy the revolver. Unless it was owned by someone famous or used in am infamous act, collector value will most likely be pretty low. The value of that revolver is in its form and function. Take it out and enjoy it is my opinion.

[jfh]

It will have collector value many years from now--probably after you're dead. Before that, it might have enhanced value to a buyer who doesn't know any better--whether NIB or shot.

Jim H.

[Jackal]

Its a Ruger. Take it out, shoot the crap out of it, clean it up and put it back into its box.:D

[OGR]

I was terribly affraid someone would say I was a savage for considering sending lead down range with this revolver. I certainly did buy this one to enjoy. The only thing that prompted the question is that the previous owner purchased it and kept it in a safe, unfired for over a year. His intention was to keep it new for collector purposes. Now I don't feel bad about taking it to the range for my purposes...

Thanks!

[Old Fuff]

The first thing you need to do is find out, "did Ruger start numbering the Alaskan at # 1 or something higher? Manufacturers often start at somewhere between 100 and 500 to reserve the lowest numbers for special issues. This could effect the potential value.

In older antique or classic firearms there is often special interest in the lowest and highest serial numbers. Those in the middle don't attract much attention unless it's something like #222,222.

Also how many they make makes a difference. If the Alaskan bombs (which doesn't seem likely right now) the low total production would kick up the value.

If you don't abuse it, restoring a stainless finish is pretty easy. Do be careful to keep the original box, and everything that came in it.

[Cocked & Locked]

If the serial number is 499 less than 500 I would consider it a no-shooter.

[campbell]

Bah, shoot that thing. It's also possible that the Acusport Bisleys will be collectible in the future, but no way is mine going to be a safe queen.