Ruger Collectors Association

Hello guys,

I saw a post on the Rugerforum regarding the "low number program". Chad posted some good information and I would like to add what I know. Probably the most complete collection was Jack Behn's #95, when he sold the collection several years ago there were around 50 guns, NIB. As for the #11, those were Mike Horelick's guns, there were about 40 guns when I bought them about 20 years ago. The Lightweight #200011 is in the NRA Museum collection, most other guns were there except the Standard Pistol #0011. The factory was gracious enough to release the barreled receiver to me at least 15 years ago.

10 of the first 25 numbered Standard pistols were completed, 8 were consigned to individuals. # 0011 is the only one known to have been shipped as a barreled receiver. See page 66 of Ruger Pistols & Revolvers. It was shipped shortly after the book was published, so the list on page 66 indicated that it is still in "stock".

John

I haven't verified this, but heard the 95's may have been picked up after Jack passed away by another employee... who also recently passed away.
Chet15

Hello guys,

I think the late Robert Lee bought them from Jack for an undisclosed amount. During the time he was writing Ruger & His Guns Larry Wilson brokered the deal. Prior to that Jack had established his asking price at $1000 each, at the time there were probably 50-60 guns. When he sold them, there very well could have been another dozen or so. To my knowledge, Jack's was the only complete collection of "low number program" guns.

Jack kept the collection in the game room in the basement of his home. The handguns were displayed in a large glass top table covered by a table cloth. The long guns were on a gun rack on the wall adjacent to the pool table. There were also some antique rifles. All of the boxes and paperwork were neatly stacked in a room in the attic. Jack knew where every thing was. Also, in attic was 3 large boxes of Ruger paperwork dating back to 1949. After I drank about 3 jiggers of Jack's whiskey, he sold me the 3 boxes for $300 and I shipped them from Hansen Guns to my home in California, they weighed 70 pounds each, what a score that was.

Through a door leading to an adjacent room in the basement was Jack's machine shop, lathe, drill press all sorts of tools, bits and fixtures. The shop was very clean and in order. On top of the shelving were dozens of old two piece Ruger pistol & revolver boxes turned up side down, Jack used them to store nuts & bolts, parts and etc.

Regards, John