Ruger three screw Blackhawk question

[robpete]

Hi all,

I bought a three screw blackhawk(.357) off a friend today. He inherited it from his stepfather some time ago. I won't say how much, but I feel that I got it for a steal. The barrel measures 4 1/2 inches and the bluing does show some wear....he competed with this one. The serial number is 3030. Any ideas on the age and value of this gun?

Thanks,
Robpete

[ku4hx]

Is it a flattop model? I have the model that came after the flattops bought around 1967. They were very common and unless you happen to find a collector with a hole in his collection their value is not all that high. Mine would run somewhere in the $450-$500 dollar range based on what I see on gunbroker.com. Given it cost $90 new, that's a fair appreciation. But that's pretty much in line with other appreciations and not attributable to it being a rare gun with value as a collectable.

The flattops I saw about a year ago were running $600-$800. Of course that could have changed and likely did.

[robpete]

I'm not sure i know the difference. I'll post a picture after i get the kids off to bed.

[cricco]

It's worthless. Ship it to me, and I'll buy you lunch. ;)

[mroliver77]

Ya Rob, dont tell us the price. ;) I dont believe you anyhow. Your trolling....right? :kidding:
Hopefully it still has original ignition system. Cmon, pics.
Jay

[robpete]

72681 72684
$275 + a transfer

[Cherokee]

You got a good deal, the original black grips are worth $75-100 if the right side looks as good as the left. If a collector had a Flat Top hole to fill, it would be worth more than you paid but it looks like a shooter to me.

[ku4hx]

Early model flattop. It's a shooter, and if I were to see it for what you paid, I'd grab it up in a heartbeat! My Blackhawk is easily the most accurate gun I own ... always has been. Even with that narrow piece of metal Ruger called a trigger back then.

[HighHook]

I have the same one, early like yours. I have been trying to wear mine out for 35 years, not working out for me. They are tough hunks of steel...

[FLHTC]

Wow a terrific deal. The grips and lock work are worth what you paid.

[40-82]

I have an old flattop model like yours. My father bought it in its first year of production for $45. Seems like that was 1956. I still have it and I still shoot it. You did well.

[robpete]

would a refinish devalue it?

[Wayne Smith]

Not if you send it to Ruger. Be aware that they will change it to the safety model if you do.

[Gibbs44]

A heck of a deal, I'd have no problem paying that for any Blackhawk in decent condition, especially an early flat top. Nice buy.

[David2011]

Not if you send it to Ruger. Be aware that they will change it to the safety model if you do.

Ruger will also send the original ignition parts back so as to maintain the value of the piece. I have one to send in for the conversion right now. According to Ruger, the gun is not altered with the exchange of parts so the safety ignition conversion is fully reversible.

David

[robpete]

David is correct. I spoke with a nice gentleman from Ruger this morning. All original parts are returned and in most cases they do the refinish free of charge. I just have to cover shipping to them. Not a bad deal, huh? On a side note, what's the least expensive way to ship a handgun?

[Bagdadjoe]

Seems like a lot of them are being turned into .44 Specials, .41 Specials and the like by some of the custom smiths. I have a 1960 model and waver back and forth about keeping/selling/customizing. A 41 Special sounds neat, the 44 not as much since Lipsey's came out with theirs..of course theirs isn't a 3 screw....which adds another level of neatness.