Ruger US Marked SS84-L SS84L .38 Spl. 4″ Double-Action Swing Revolver
SOLD FOR: $2713
LSB#: 220420MS007
Make: Ruger
Model: SS84-L
Serial#: 15688915
Year of Manufacture: 1980
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single and Double-Action Revolver with a 6-Round Swing-Out Cylinder and Transfer Bar Safety
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “STRUM, RUGER & CO. INC. / SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A.” and has a Ruger proofmark. The rear end of the cylinder is marked “S”. The butt-strap is marked “15688915”. The right side of the barrel is marked “.38 SPECIAL CAL.”. The right side of the frame is marked “RUGER MODEL SS84L”, ®, features the Ruger logo and “U.S.” The grip panels each feature a medallion with the Ruger logo.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade pinned to the barrel. The rib is ventilated to reduce glare. The rear sight is a square-notch integral to the top-strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece checkered wood. The butt-strap features a fixed lanyard ring. The panels have some light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip panels are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: The revolver retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is some light finish loss around the muzzle, the cylinder has developed a light turn-line and has a few small patches of finish loss over one of the chambers, there are a few small patches of finish loss on the lower right portion of the trigger guard, some finish loss around the bottom of the back-strap and a patch of finish loss on the right side of the frame at the top of the grip panel. The markings remain clear. The screwheads are lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the revolver is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double-action is smooth. The cylinder locks with only barely palpable play on each chamber. We have not fired this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: The revolver comes with an official technical manual for the gun.
Our Assessment: In the late 1970s and early 1980s Ruger supplied the US military with service revolvers, among the variants supplied to the government was the SS84-L which was manufactured in 1980. The revolver’s unique designation is marked on the right side of the frame in addition to a “U.S.” and it has a lanyard ring fixed to the butt-strap. These revolvers were typically issued to air-crews and certain rear-echelon security personnel (dog handlers). This revolver has all the distinct features of these military contract revolvers and comes with its original user manual. The gun has some light handling wear, but it remains well preserved for a service revolver that was made 42 years ago. These are relatively rare to come by and should certainly appeal to serious Ruger collectors and fans of martial arms alike. Good luck on your bid!