I am looking at a few used Ljutics and have come across severla ARS model guns. In doing a bit of research, it looks like the ARS came out in 2004, just before the One Touch in 2006. One piece of info I have seen is that there were only 25 made, but I have not confirmed this. So far, I have seen about 6 of them for sale - so it has me wondering if there was an issue with this model of adjustable rib or just normal turnover. Does anyone have any first-hand experience with the ARS models that they can relay?
I have one. It is a marvelous Trap gun. When I asked Jimmy Ljutic how many he made he said, "Oh, I made about 20 or so."
The ARS was the first adjustable rib gun Ljutic made. Then they sold the company and the new owner designed the One Touch rib. So, they had to switch.
I was told by the original owner of mine that he let a young shooter use it who was sponsored by Ljutic. That shooter liked it so much that he called Ljutic to see if he could get one. Ljutic told him that they couldn't make it anymore due to the new ownership.
I like mine. I guess in the end just about everything has a price. I would sell mine, but I would ask a good price for it.
I find the serial number of your gun strange Jim. I wonder what it means. Mine was made in 2005 and there is no way Ljutic made 357 of these in two years. At that time Ljutic's entire shotgun output was around 200 guns a year and they didn't make only ARS models during that time.
Also, yours has that X on it. I wonder what that means as well.
Hmmm, very interesting. Mine has different markings:
Mine also has polished sides:
That is very curious.
Well, one thing is certain about Ljutic guns, they are unique. There are many different versions out there and many of them have only tiny differences. Then there are some that are very rare. The Selka comes to mind. I'm curious to hear other ARS owners chime in. There could be many differences that we haven't seen yet.
I live about 130 miles from the Ljutic plant. A lot of Ljutic's here and I have seen a lot of serial numbers that do not make any sense. My Banana Gun has the serial number of "EVANS", and I have seen a number of other Ljutic guns with a persons name as the serial number. Seen a Ljutic Centennial Pro SS the other day with the serial number ARS 003. So nothing is standard on Ljutic's as far as serial numbers go.
Could the "X" be for the LTX model? According to Nadine, Ljutic made about 25 ARS guns half divided between the Monogun, and half the LTX series.
The 357 could mean (1) the 357th in the LTX run, or (2) also Ljutic would let a buyer order a special serial number to memorialize something. Maybe their favorite caliber - a 357? Just thinking out loud. I knew of a gun that had as a serial number the original buyer’s birth year and a notation of their favorite Harley Davidson motorcycle, I think it was a Panhead.
Well, that's the nature of a company like Ljutic. Small, family owned for most of its existence and customer oriented. They will build you whatever you want.
I'm curious to hear about the reasoning behind that particular ARS. I wonder if Nadine has the reason for that serial number.
Dan,
The post from "rastoff" is correct. I have talked to Jimmie Ljutic many times and was also told the ARS could no longer be build due to new owner who designed the one touch wanted only it built.
I own a stainless ARS with a red rib. Some shooter's prefer and like the ARS better than the one touch.
It is also correct that Ljutic Serial numbers are not always standard and sequential and mine has an S after the serial number to designate Stainless.
Last, as Ljutic has just been bought by a new owner, if there is enough interest the new owner may let the ARS rib to be available again.
I looked through my old Shotgun Sports magazines - it looks like the ARS-X is the "LTX" or lightened version of the ARS Monogun (according to a Joel Etchen ad). I would be curious to see what the weight differences are.
How does the gun shoot for you? I noticed a bit of rattle from the front two posts when looking at a gun locally. Don't know how that translates to the shooting line. Also how do the choke tubes perform for you?
When I first handled mine I thought the rib would rattle as I shot, but either it doesn't or I don't hear it.
The chokes I have are also different. They are called Inverted Cylinder. Here is a cutaway pic of what they look like inside:
The dimensions are exaggerated in this pic to emphasize what it looks like. If I used exact dimensions it wouldn't look like anything.
First they taper in to the stated constriction then they open up about .005" at the muzzle. I only have two chokes, .705" and .720", and honestly, they both work good for me. I only use the .705" choke now. My scores don't get better at Singles if I use the more open one so, I just stick with the one.
One day I will add another Ljutic to my collection of guns. Next time it will be a fixed rib, fixed choke gun with stainless barrel and receiver. That's a ways off though.
Thank you for the information - very helpful on both accounts. Jim's gun is the LTX version, so it is lightened as much as possible - cut the corners off and such.
Glad to read about special serial numbers, names, etc. I didn't know that. My older Mono does not have the "Ljutic" name anywhere on the gun, only the sn. I think I will call and find out the price for some "special" lettering. Larry Evans
Larry Evans………..would something like this work for your special lettering on your Ljutic? This is the serial number and the bottom of my Ljutic Banana Gun
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