Good deal on pre-1973 357 Blackhawk?

[AZ]

Went to my LGS after class today, found a Ruger Blackhawk and I'm considering putting it on layaway. It was blued and I couldn't see any obvious signs of wear, it was a 3-pin 357, it didn't have a transfer bar but I think the trigger was slightly curved (I was under the assumption that original triggers were completely flat). 5 1/2" barrel, original wood grips in perfect shape. They were asking $430 for it. Does that sound like a deal or a pretty predictable price?

 

[C5rider]

I'm not up on the collectibility of the un-converted Blackhawks but I'd say for this area, you're in the ballpark. But I wouldn't go naming my first child after your LGS salesman.

If it's got ANY wear on it, that's only fuel for discount!

 

[Kernel]

I'd say that price is high by a least $50 to $75. Nothing wrong with it being an older gun, but nothing that really adds value either. Can you see a turn line on the cylinder? Box and papers?

 

[Kyle M.]

Considering that every old model blackhawk I've seen regardless of condition has sold for over $600 I'd say thats a pretty good deal. I can't even find used new models for under $450.

 

[CraigC]

Depends on exactly what it is. It could be a steal and it could just as easily be a rip-off. Is it an early flat-top or an "eared" Old Model? Need confirmation on the barrel length because 5½" was not a standard length for Old Models. The .357's were offered in 4 5/8", 6½" with a few rare 7½" and 10" models. If the barrel has indeed been shortened to 5½", that's a good negotiation point.

If it's a flat-top like this one and in good shape, buy it! I paid $750 for this one, without the grips.

 

[Red Cent]

In the condition you describe, a bunch of SASS/cowboys would buy that in a heartbeat. As RCM said, if that is a flattop, that is a super price.

These are the "eared" model three screws. Couple more hangin' in the safe.

 

[2zulu1]

I bought a new pre '73 Blackhawk in'68 for $99.00.

 

[murf]

that's not a bad price for a three screw in decent shape. most used blackhawks are selling about fifty dollars under the new gun price (the "three screw" models usually command a premium).

barrel length is measured from the forcing cone to the muzzle.

the trigger looks like a banana.

can't go wrong with a blackhawk, imop.

murf

 

[AZ]

@ Craig - It might have been a 6 1/2, only some what sure it was 5 1/2, but it definitely wasn't shortened.

It was a flattop, the cylinder line is barely visible, no box or papers.

Considering what quite of few of you are saying it looks like it at least isn't a bad deal, and since a Blackhawk was what I was looking for I put a down payment on it today. I was never under the impression that it was going to be a rip-off, the LGS I'm getting it from is the Pistol Parlor in Flagstaff which specializes in revolvers (home of Gary Reeder Customs) and from talking with the (incredibly helpful and nice) staff there I got the impression they relied on repeat business. I'm starting to think some of that business will be from me.

Thanks to all for the advice.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A "Flat Top," three-screw and unaltered Blackhawk? At $430? Snag it before someone else does!

 

[AZ]

Ya, that seems to be the consensus. I asked the clerk behind the counter how long he figured it'd be in there, and he told be pretty honestly that the second an SA guy walks in the door (pretty big shop for SA guys, too) it'd be walking out with him

 

[CraigC]

I don't care too much for Reeder but he is no fool. I have my doubts that it's a flat-top because even a worn shooter-grade will usually sell higher than that. A nice one, like you describe, should be another $200. Make sure it is really a flat-top, that it has not been converted and a good picture would be worth thousands of words.

 

[AJumbo]

I'd love to hang around and add to this thread, but I need to gas the truck and check the oil... doin' a road trip to Flagstaff tomorrow.....

 

[AZ]

I don't care too much for Reeder but he is no fool. I have my doubts that it's a flat-top because even a worn shooter-grade will usually sell higher than that. A nice one, like you describe, should be another $200. Make sure it is really a flat-top, that it has not been converted and a good picture would be worth thousands of words.

I'm not dead positive it's a flattop, I don't have a picture as it's at the shop until I pay it off but I have the S# from the receipt, it falls in the 1970 production. It hasn't been converted, that was one of the big selling points for me. Its wear for a 40 year old gun is very minimal, the bore was very clear, deep rifling. From the dust in the bore I have a feeling someone just let it sit for decades (no rust though, Arizona gun).

How can I easily differentiate between the flattop and the alternative? If the flattop has no ridge above the cylinder in front of the rear sight then I believe it is a flattop.

 

[CraigC]

It's not a flat-top. Flat-tops have a completely flat top strap and were made 1955-1962. The one I posted is a flat-top dating 1958. The ones Red Cent posted are so-called "eared" models that were made 1962-1973. You should be able to see the protective ears around the rear sight. Knowing this, it wasn't a steal but you got a fair deal. Although the last eared Old Model .357 I bought was close to $300, that was also several years ago. Prices are only going up.

 

[AZ]

Thanks for the info. Is there any functional difference between the flattop and eared? I know they made the 'ears' to protect the sight.

 

[CraigC]

For me the biggest difference is that the flat-tops came with the XR3 grip frame, which is a dead ringer for the Colt SAA/Navy pattern. The later models came with the XR3-RED grip frame which has more room behind the triggerguard. For me, they are not as comfortable as the XR3. The flat-tops came with the all steel Micro rear sight, later models are proprietary and aluminum. Flat-tops came with a steel ejector housing, later models have aluminum. IMHO, flat-tops tend to exhibit slightly better fit & finish.