Bi-Centenial 44 mag Ruger SBH

[au_prospector]

Anything special about a Ruger I saw the other day? 1976 pre warning Ruger had a bi centenial statement on barrel. Dont remember exactly what it said but obviously a commerative issue. This was a drug task force police confiscation. $349 7.5 bbl pachmyr rubber grips. I let it alone as it had holster wear on muzzle and cylinder. Light pitting too. Most definitely was in leather for years.seemed to function correctly though. Should I go back for another look?

 

[tallpaul]

I could be wrong but I think the bicentennial rugers were all revolvers they made in 1976... I had a single six so marked.. I do not think they are anything special unless you are trying to sell one

 

[CajunBass]

The above is about right. They were a limited run. Limited to all they could make, plus one more.

If it was in pristine condition, with the box and papers (which this one isn't, obviously) the bicentennial markings MIGHT bring a slight premium, but otherwise, no.

On the other hand, it is a good gun.

 

[au_prospector]

Thanks guys, as expected. I think just about everything made in America in 1976 had some sort of "special" marketing marking.

 

[bannockburn]

That's why it was more like the "Buy-Centennial" rather than the "Bicentennial"!

 

[CraigC]

IMHO, their biggest appeal is that they were made before 1978, when Ruger started putting the infamous billboard warning on the side of the barrel.

 

[danjet500]

"Made In the 200th Year of American Liberty"

I have a Single Six with the same markings. There were too many made for it to add any significant value, unless as stated, it is NIB with all paperwork and accessories. Even then, it only adds $25-50 over a similar unmarked example.

 

[Hookeye]

They do call them "Liberty" models.
If clean and with box, maybe expect 50 bucks (tops) more than a non Liberty model.
New Models.........a non warning label might get you $25 more.

Some folks prefer new models, and the newer the better.
I for one HATE the warning versions, and also the actions.......so go 3 screw.



Even so, I barely kept my last very clean SBH 3 screw for 6 months.
Smith 629's for me.

 

[highpower]

Two years ago I picked up a 1976 .357 NMB along with a Single Six. As I recall, I paid $225 for the pair. I don't think there is anything terribly special about them. I like the Blackhawk although I don't particularly care for the Super Blackhawks.

 

[Barry the Bear]

I had a chance to gobble one up once bit I ended up buying a stainless model for the same price, I really wish I would've taken the bi centennial model to own some ruger history