Was gifted a Ruger Old Blackhawk 3 screw

[JohnnieBoy]

A family member gave me a Blackhawk 6.5" 3 screw revolver over the weekend. Most of the wheel guns I own are older S&W's, with the exception of a single really nice Colt SAA. The serial number dates this particular gun to 1963. Its in pretty good shape not withstanding a few blemishes here and there. I have already sourced a pair of period correct Ruger black eagle medallion walnut grips to replace the cheap faux stag's that it's currently wearing. I'm excited to get out and shoot it as I understand these guns are really good shooters and seem to have quite the following. Honestly, I would probably never have entertained the idea of owning one if it weren't gifted to me but now that I have it, I really like it!

 

[Sixgun100]

Wow! Very nice gift. Ruger makes some fine Single Actions and the older one are highly prized. Enjoy!

 

[Wyatt Burp]

They are great guns. mine’s from 1969. Does it hopefully have the original parts in it and not the transfer bar conversion? That sure is an early one. I thought Ruger was still making the original Flat Top then but I’m no expert.
Edit: Just checked and looks like the Flattop ended in 1962 which makes a 1963 made gun first year production. The Flattop had a XR3 grip frame like a 1st generation Colt SAA but yours (and mine) have the slightly longer reach XR3 RED (redesigned) grip frame.

 

[brucev]

One of the very finest single-action revolvers ever produced. You are very fortunate. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[kraynky]

What caliber? Did I miss that somewhere? I love the sound of an unconverted 3 screw cocking. Fun shooters too. Congratulations!

 

[tt66]

Be careful. They can be addictive

 

[JohnnieBoy]

Thanks guys. It is an original .357 6.5 and the transfer bar conversion was never done, thankfully. From what I can tell, I think the "ears" were added to the flat tops on either side of the rear sight 1 year before this guns production. It reads 1955 - 1962 for flat tops and 1962 - 1972 for the change. So maybe mid year 1962? Who knows? Anyway... yes, I'm a happy camper with my newest acquisition. I'll be even happier when the correct grips show up and I shoot it!

 

[s&wchad]

It reads 1955 - 1962 for flat tops and 1962 - 1972 for the change. So maybe mid year 1962? Who knows? Anyway...

Nice gun!
These folks know...

Click here: Ruger Blackhawk Serial Number History

 

[Dieseltech56]

I used to have a 357/9mm 6.5 inch OM blackhawk but I traded it in towards my 29-2. I always still think about that one

 

[CelticSire]

It is an original .357 6.5 and the transfer bar conversion was never done, thankfully.

Unless their policy has changed, Ruger will not sell you any parts for it until the change has been done at the factory. I have a 3-screw that I needed a grip frame screw to replace one that had a buggered slot. They asked me for the serial number, and said nope, can't sell you any parts until you return it for the conversion. I politely declined and sourced the screw elsewhere.

 

[JohnnieBoy]

Unless their policy has changed, Ruger will not sell you any parts for it until the change has been done at the factory. I have a 3-screw that I needed a grip frame screw to replace one that had a buggered slot. They asked me for the serial number, and said nope, can't sell you any parts until you return it for the conversion. I politely declined and sourced the screw elsewhere.

I would tell them to pound sand! One word... Numrich

 

[Drm50]

When I was a kid in 60s I had one of each Rugers made. The stag grips on OPs gun look like Jay Scott which were the better phony stags. Of my original Rugers I only have a Single-6 and a SBH. I like the 3screw but lost interest in Ruger with new model. The 45/8" 357 drove me nuts. I bought quite a few before I got one that had enough adjustment to sight in. The 6.6" guns didn't have that problem.

 

[Walter Rego]

Nice gun and I'm sure it will be a fun shooter. Something that is really nice about the old Rugers is that you can get a factory letter for only $10. No, it does not have the kind of detail that you get from Mr. Jinks. But what you will get is model number which tells you the original configuration, the month (but not the day) that it shipped, and the shipping location. It is printed on a special letterhead with a gold seal, and they also include a (reprinted) manual for the gun. That's good enough for me for only $10.

Here is a link to the order form:

https://ruger.com/pdf/letterOfAuthenticity.pdf

Correction to my earlier post: The Ruger letter will show the month and year of manufacture but not the shipping date. Although we can assume that for popular models the guns shipped within a few weeks of the manufacture date.

 

[Ethang]

Unconverted 3 screws are the best. To all those who think they need to send them back to be "improved" ...please don't. Sell the originals to us enthusiasts and buy a New Model. You will be just fine with the transfer bar on the New Models and the rest of us will be better with original 3 screws.

 

[Valmet]

While not as aesthetically pleasing as a S&W, those Blackhawks are great, STRONG old revolvers. Pretty cool gift if you ask me.

 

[hittman77]

While not as aesthetically pleasing as a S&W

... eye of the beholder ... LOL

And it's leaps and bounds more attractive than a similar single action S&W.

 

[hittman77]

Congrats on your gift!

Finding a similar one with 4 5/8 barrel would make you a dandy set.

 

[Muley Gil]

I had two of those converted to .44 Special a few years back. Nice .357s, but even better .44s.

 

[rbrbrb6]

Just remember to load it and work the action like an original Colt. Never let the hammer down from half cock if you don't want the ugly turn line on the cylinder.

 

[Welder1]

Be careful! Three screws multiply quicker than K frames at my house