The Shootists organization was founded by gunwriter John Taffin in 1985. This gun was made to commemorate the group's 25th Anniversary.
| GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS |
| Manufacturer: |
Ruger |
MFG Model #: |
5238 |
| Lipsey's Model #: |
RUGRNVB475SPCL |
UPC #: |
736676052387 |
| Caliber: |
44 Special |
Quantity Produced: |
100 |
| Production Year: |
2010 |
Production Status: |
Out of Production |
| DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS |
| Revolver |
Single Action |
| 7-1/2" Barrel |
Rosewood Grips |
| High Polish Blue Finish |
Fluted Cylinder |
| Adjustable Sights |
Special Serial Numbers |
| Mid-Size 357 Frame |
Bisley Frame, Hammer, Trigger |
| Weight: 46 Oz. |
Special Engraving |
The Shootists was started by noted gunwriter John Taffin in 1985. He envisioned a gathering of like minded sixgunners who were on the cutting edge of what was being done to and with sixguns of the day. The Shootists to this day is an invitation only affair and there are only a limited amount of new members voted on each year.
In 2009 at The Shootists Holiday in Raton, New Mexico several of the members were discussing possible 25th anniversary guns for the organization in 2010. They really wanted to do a 7-1/2" 44 Special with some special touches. Jeff Quinn from Gunblast.com fame and I discussed it with Ruger's Ken Jorgensen on the range the next day. I mentioned that we had planned on doing a Bisley Flattop 44 Special in 2010 and they agreed that would make the Shootists gun really special. The final specification list was:
- - Ruger Bisley Flattop
- - 44 Special
- - 7-1/2" Barrel
- - High Polish Blue Finish
- - Wood Grips
- - Special Serial #'s SH25-001 to SH25-100
- - Engraved on Left Side of Barrel: 1985-Shootists 25th Anniversary-2010
- - Engraved on Right Side of Barrel: Men Who Stand in the Gap
- - Belt Mountain Special Marked #5 Base Pin (These were shipped directly to Shootists members and not from the Ruger factory)
Baron Technology did the engraving and finish work and these guns came out very nice. Most people would assume that these guns would be safe queens, but I can assure you most of them will be shot and shot a lot! I have witnessed some pretty amazing shots with both handguns and rifles at the Shootists Holidays. To say these guys walk the walk is an understatement. To find out more about The Shootists check out www.shootists.com.
Jason Cloessner
