357 flattop Blackhawk-3 digit SN

[BullRunBear]

Got a call out of the blue yesterday from a buddy offering to sell his 357 Blackhawk. I have several revolvers in that caliber including a 50th Anniversary model and a stainless Redhawk, so I wasn't ready to jump on it but asked for a description and liked what I heard.

I just got home with it. It has a 3 digit serial number so it was made in 1955, the first year of production. The finish is about 95%, mostly holster wear, the finish is well polished compared to my Single-Six. The bore and cylinders are clean and shiny. The action is smoooth and the trigger is crisp. I like the feel better than the Anniversary model and that action is already nice. It's unconverted and will stay that way. It feels a bit lighter than the newer version.

The one bad thing is it has some Franzite plastic fake stag grips. They look kinda cheap and don't fit well. They will definitely be replaced. Might be time for my first custom grips.

Don't know why but there is a reddish or purple tint to the frame around the cylinder when seen in the right light. Anyone know about this?

I haven't been to the range with it yet, hopefully next week.

Does anyone have experience with these earliest models? I would be interested to hear. I like my early model Single-Six more than the new versions. I'm curious if that will carry over with this 357.

Jeff

 

[Gordon]

That purple tinge was from the hardening technique used on the investment cast frames. They worked that out in a few years by adjusting the chem baths. Enjoy -lucky guy!

 

[Dave T]

I was out of the SA revolver business for a number of years, then recently got back to it when I saw a Ruger Blackhawk 44 Special. That was something I had always wanted but Ruger never made. Once I got it home and familiarized myself with it I realized there was something very wrong. Something was missing. Took me a day or two to realize what it was.

I missed the positive feel of cocking the hammer on a traditional single action. Those beautiful clicks and the feel of the hammer going through half cock, loading cock and full cock are music to the ears of anyone who's heard and felt it.

I now have two 3-screw Flattops and the New Model 44 Special is for sale. (smile)

Dave

 

[Walkalong]

That's "plumb" colored, and normal on old Rugers, especially revolvers. My 77/22 Hornet receiver is plumb colored.

 

[tipoc]

Good find. These are great guns. I also like the OMs better than the new. Remember, if you are carrying the gun about, to keep the hammer down on an empty chamber. Load one, skip one, and load one.

You can drop by...www.rugerforum.com
where there is a wealth of information about these guns.

tipoc

 

[MADDOG]

It sounds like you got a good one. The "plum colored" Ruger's are sought after by some collector's. I am going to pick up a 1962 flattop "4 clicker" tomorrow. I feel good. Don't forget to load 1 skip 1 and then load 4. Take it down and give it a good cleaning. Have fun.

 

[goodtime]

Check out this article w/ pics:


http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_357-Flattop.htm

You'll find several other articles on Blackhawks on this same site if you use the search from the home page.

 

[BullRunBear]

Guys,

Thanks for the information. I got out to the range today and put a hundred rounds of 38 special through it. Talk about comfortable shooting! I managed to keep some under 3 inch groups off hand which is good shooting for me.

As much as I like the 50th Anniversary 357 Blackhawk, and I do,this flattop is smoother and feels more responsive in my hand.

BTW, thanks for the reminder about the loading sequence. I happen to know it from Hunter Pistol competition but it bears repeating. Not everyone is aware of the potential danger.

Now comes some fun as I try to find the 38 special and 357 magnum loads this specific gun likes.

Regards, Jeff