I need to start out by saying that I'm a fan of Ruger revolvers. I own a number of them, and have always been appreciative of thier solid quality construction and reliability. Apart from my son's cheap Wrangler, I've never had a problem with one. However, one of their selling points has always been their great value compared to the competition. You bought a Ruger because it was $100-$200 less than a comparable Smith, and you lived with a little added bulk of the investment cast construction, and a little bit rougher finish, in exchange for the cheaper price.

These days things seemed to have flip-flopped. I was in an LGs today that had what appeared to be a run-of-the-mill used New Model Blackhawk in .357 listed at just above $1000. The same shop had a .S&W Model 28 in the $800 range. To put that in perspective, I bought a brand new Blackhawk Convertible with both cylinders for $600 3 years ago. A different local retail place is selling S&W J-Frames for $500, while they have an SP101 listed at $750+. I think I paid $529 at that same shop 7 or 8 years ago for mine. Even the auction market seems to be reversed...I bought a pre-lock 4" S&W model 66 at a local auction in December for $600, and the 4" GP100 they had went for over $700. Condition was comparable. Frankly, I'm glad I already own most of the ones I want, because there's no way I could afford them at current pricing.

I'm not arguing that Ruger revolvers aren't worth the money...they're great guns...but why the sudden change in price? Has Ruger hiked their MSRP that much, or is this just being driven by the current demand? And if the latter, why aren't we seeing similar price hikes from S&W, Colt, RIA, Taurus, and Charter Arms (well, admittedly, those last 3 probably wouldn't sell anything if it wasn't for their pricing, but you get the point)? Can any of our SigForum dealers or gun store employees shed any light on what's going on?

Well, we have inflation, with a run on guns. That 357 Blackhawk is somewhat rare, usually goes for more.

I bought a close to new Blackhawk in 41 mag just two years ago, $500 or so.

When I was on the 41 kick a few years ago I also bought a 5” Redhawk in 41 mag, not to common.

My idea is, with inflation & low interest rates, then a questionable stock market, diversify. If I see the right deal, why not buy?

Some are shooters, others more a safe queen.

Many prices have changed since March 2020. The Liberty Safe that I bought for $1100 in October 2019 is now $1900. Shipping costs are much higher along with metals. Some firearms have probably not gone up as much due to the high volume of sales.

I'm well aware of the current market and increased costs across the board. I'm just curious as to why Ruger specifically seems to be experiencing a more drastic change than some others. They used to be the "cheaper" option when compared to S&W (that's part of the reason I bought so many Rugers early on...the cost savings compared to S&W), but they've swapped places, at least around here.

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
...I'm glad I already own most of the ones I want, because there's no way I could afford them at current pricing...

You just described most any firearm I have at the moment.

I’ve wanted a stainless bearcat shopkeeper ever since I got my first bearcat. With the increasing prices and limited production numbers it’s not looking like that will happen any time soon.

I have noticed Ruger prices have seemed to escalate faster than others.
Early last year my supressor finally got out of jail, and I wanted a purpose built supressor host pistol to supplement my S&W 422 with thread adaptor.
I was going to go Ruger MK IV lite ( good product reputation and built at the local factory, so repair/warranty support is a 15 minuted drive, support local economy)
I ended up with a S&W victory for about $200 less than the few available threaded rugers I could find

Was at a local show recently and a friend says:

"When did revolvers become so high priced"

The market for guns is crazy with all the demand. Everybody was selling guns like hotcakes.
Until that stops, prices are going to be crazy high.

Perhaps Ruger's reputation for being built like tanks is now commanding a premium?

Gun stores are basing their prices off Gnbroket pie in the sky wishful thinking listings.

"Market correction" to follow, hopefully. Unfortunately the crazy non selling auction prices tend to drive them all up.

quote:

You bought a Ruger because it was $100-$200 less than a comparable Smith, and you lived with a little added bulk of the investment cast construction, and a little bit rougher finish, in exchange for the cheaper price.

Ah, how I miss the days of "Cast vs Forged" debates. The good ol' days.

Trigger pull was always part of the debate too. S&W was always seen as smoother, and IMHO they were.

quote:

Originally posted by apprentice:
Perhaps Ruger's reputation for being built like tanks is now commanding a premium?

30 years ago, I, myself would have piped up by saying, "but it's cast and not forged" those days are gone.

But honestly, right or wrong, Cast was seen by many (not all) as an inferior process much the same way MIM is looked at now. I was in the forged camp because of my mentors at the time, but I realize now that history has showen that it really didn't matter.

I had a friend who worked at an indoor range in California in the 80's. I had to do a double take when he told me that the Rugers held up as rentals much better than the Smiths. I was like, huh, that's not what I was taught by my mentors. Until that moment I was taught that Rugers were inferior, and therefore cost less.

Now, years later, Ruger seems to go for more money now because their track record is about as solid as you can get, including factory support.

Maybe real data like from my friend who maintained the rental guns has gotten out

No longer are there guys like me who paid more for Smiths because of marketing campaigns like this:

FWIW, Ruger revolver production doesn't seem to have been at its highest for the past several months.

Tell me about it. In 2015 or 2016, I bought one of these, a stainless .357 New Vaquero 4.75" for $500, new. MSRP was like, $675, I think. Now? MSRP is $1,019. Finding one used for $800 would be a great price, buit it's more common to see them around grand, new or used. It's a nice gun, but it's not a fucking thousand dollar pistol, I'm sorry, and I say that as someone who owns one and wants to own a matched pair. Absurd.

I just did a quick troll of GunBroker. Blackhawks seem to be running $550 to $750 (bid prices, anyway) unless its for something odd, rare or one of a kind. There are some insane prices too.
I wont be buying a Ruger SA for over 1K. The Smith prices have amazed me lately.

P220 Smudge, you're right there where I'm at. Great guns...but not $1000 handguns. Maybe I've just been lucky and found deals, but I've picked up a few really nice S&Ws in the past year for between $600 and $850...most of those pretty close to what they were going for before the stupidity started. Maybe not amazing deals, but in-line with MSRP.

The Rugers, though, which used to be cheaper than the Smiths, are now at least 25% higher for a comparable model, and even the single-actions have gone crazy. The LGS where I saw the .357 Blackhawk for $1000 had a shelf full of them 2 years ago priced right around $500. I know things have gone up across the board, but Ruger really seems to be in a class of their own.

quote:

Originally posted by 92fstech:
The Rugers, though, which used to be cheaper than the Smiths, are now at least 25% higher for a comparable model, and even the single-actions have gone crazy. The LGS where I saw the .357 Blackhawk for $1000 had a shelf full of them 2 years ago priced right around $500. I know things have gone up across the board, but Ruger really seems to be in a class of their own.

I wouldn't accuse them of profiteering, but for the MSRP to go up that high at the supply end kinda leaves a sour taste in my mouth. At the very least, I won't be chasing down a New Vaquero at those prices.

I have quite a few Ruger revolvers as well. Mostly Blackhawks and vaqueros of various variety about a dozen at least. even a few years ago shops couldn’t give them away hi cap autos were the whiz bang. Now they think a beat to hell 7 inch 44 Blackhawk is made of gold. Oh well I’ll keep what I have and keep shoppping. The deals turn up on occasion just have to be ready to pounce.
I did back into a used 5 inch 44 redhawk before I left CA for a fair price $650 I believe. Haven’t even shot it yet just wanted it and price was right. At my LGS shop this week and they have a used one for 950 and my kid is like why so expensive ? Right ? New is almost the same money

With millions of new gun owners in the last two years. Revolvers are, IMHO, an excellent option for, well, anyone. But especially for new(er) shooters.

I also have seen the steady and sharp rise in Ruger revolver prices. But I can't really compare them to other brand revolvers because I don't look at them.

Also, like others, I'm glad to have what I do because I could never afford to get them now. But that's the same for my Sigs as well.

I'm also a Henry lever action fan. Two years ago I paid $650 for a new All Weather in .38/.357. That particular piece has more than doubled in price now. If you can even locate one which is why the prices keep going up.

The items in the gun safe continue to outperform the Market and other investment options. Same with lead Freedom Pellets with a wafer thin copper coating.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: TN Mark,

All good observations, I have wanted one of the 45LC/45 ACP Redhawks. Pre insanity they were going for maybe around 800 to 900. Now they are routinely 1100 or more and I just can't seem to come to grips with that. It would be nice if prices came down but I not going to hold my breath.

I've gotten emails from both Smith and Ruger since Covid began, not quite quarterly, but close. "5% price increase, 7% price increase coming", etc. Revolvers are much more time consuming to make, requiring more fitting, labor hours, and toleranced materials than a plastic gun being shat out by an injection molding machine.

The prices are shocking, but it is the current reality, and there are no shortage of buyers. Firearms are a consumer durable, get ready for all steel gun prices to stay for awhile.

If anyone is interested in some homework, go to all of your local shops and ask them if they have any 686's, Pythons, Single Six's, Redhawks, Gp-100s, or SP-101s in stock. Report back with your findings.