Book Review: “Ruger Pistols & Revolvers: The Vintage Years 1949-1973” By John C. Dougan

 

by Bill Hamm

photography by Bill Hamm

April 24th, 2009

 

 

 

This book is simply a must read for both the novice and the serious collector of Ruger handguns made from 1949-1973.  It is very well written and a pleasure to read!  It encompasses not only the Semi-Auto .22 Long Rifle pistols and single action revolvers made by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. during this period but divulges interesting information about the manufacturing processes and company growth.  It also provides information about Mr. William B. Ruger, Company Founder, and the Ruger Corporation tools that were made prior to Mr. Ruger moving into the firearms business.

John Dougan, Author, is no stranger to those interested in Ruger firearms.  John has been a serious collector of Ruger firearms since the 1970s, is President of the Ruger Collectors’ Association and has previously written several great books on the subject.  John completed this book after several years of research in the Ruger company archives.  He provides information, data and insight never before made available.  Invaluable information about patents, rare factory stag and ivory grip panels, old company advertisements, contract makers of various parts, etc. are also provided for the reader.  The appendices are packed full of valuable serial number and shipping data regarding many of the rare to extremely rare guns sought after by collectors. 

Mr. Dougan has done a wonderful job on this book and deserves the thanks of all of us who thirst for more information about these fine old handguns.

This book, without question, will be hard to put down once you have started reading it! 

Mowbray Publishers, 54 E. School Street, Woonsocket, RI, 02895   Ph: 1-800-999-4697

Hardback, 392 pages, packed with b&w ill., $64.99 + $4.50 USA s/h

Bill Hamm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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