Ruger New Model BlackHawk 50th Annaversery

[Offspring]

Hi, Haven't posted for a while. I just picked up a Ruger New Model Black Hawk 50th Anniversery 44Mag Single Action of course. On the top of the barrel in gold it says 50 years of 44 Magnum 1956 - 2006.
The pistol appears to have never been fired. There are short scratches between the lock detents on the fluted cyl. It came with the red plastic case with the 50th anniversery sign on the top and all of the locks, internal and external with keys. Serial is 870-042XX. Did I get a wall hanger (collector gun) or a shooter? I paid around $375 for it. So how about it should I shoot it or hang it on the wall for future investment or collector interest?

Thanks for your time and Interest. I value you all's advice.
Offspring.

 

[Daizee]

for $375 buy a second one and shoot the snot out of it.

I shoot my .357 Anniversary model plenty.

If you keep one pristine I doubt it will ever be worth less than $375.
That's the price of a used Blackhawk around here, certainlyshot, no box.

-Daizee

 

[Offspring]

Thanks Daizee, I was looking for a shooter in the first place. Antlers should hang on the wall guns should be shot. I really love the single action rugers. I had a new model superblack hawk 44 mag but let it get away from me. Won't happen again.
Thanks again.

 

[Old Fuff]

Generally commemorative issues take a long time to make any meaningful increase, but they rarely drop in value. I can think of a number of guns in the same price range ($375) that are likely to be worth more then the Blackhawk you bought in say, 25 years.

So while I don't see it as a hot collectable, it should make a fine shooter. Go use it as intended.

 

[ClemY]

I got a pair of 50th Anniversary .357 Blackhawks for my wife for CAS. She has average size hands and the slightly smaller grip fits her better. I have large hands and prefer the slightly larger grip of the NMBH. The 50th Anniversary .357s I have seen appear to be very well made and my wife’s are very accurate. Shoot your .44 to your heart’s content, just be aware that the reason Ruger went to the larger Dragoon grip on the .44 Super Blackhawk was because the smaller grip of the Blackhawk smacked the second finger of many people.

 

[chez323]

I've got 2 50th anniversary edition Blackhawks, one in 357 magnum and one in 44 magnum. Both are great shooters, very accurate and a blast to shoot....... never saw a point in buying a gun I didn't intend to shoot. Kinda like buying a truck and not driving it or getting married and not....... : )

 

[Offspring]

Many Thanks!

Clem, Chez and Fluff, Thanks for your comments I will happily shoot my blackhawk and then give it to my grand son when its time. I appreciate your knowledge and willingness to share it. God bless, keep your head down and powder dry.

 

[CraigC]

Shoot the sucker! I can't see letting a fine sixgun languish in the safe for 20-30yrs hoping that it will increase in value by $100.