Ruger Pre-Warning 3-Screw Blackhawk .357 Magnum Revolver, 1963 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1011
LSB#: 210911DJ72
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Blackhawk
Serial Number: 44680
Year of Manufacture: 1963 (Ruger Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single-Action Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with “STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. / SOUTHPORT, CONN, U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “RUGER .357 CAL. / BLACKHAWK”, the Ruger phoenix logo, and “®”. The right side of the frame under the cylinder is marked with the serial number “44680”. The back of the cylinder is marked “S”.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a black serrated integral to a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a black square-notch leaf in a base pinned to the topstrap and is adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels with inset Ruger phoenix logo medallions. Both panels have a few light nicks and dings mainly on the bottom of each. The left panel has a more notable nick over the screw hole. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is no erosion, but minor stubborn fouling can be seen in spots.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The barrel has intermittent minor nicks and tell-tale holster wear on the left side. There is minor thinning on the guard and parts of the frame. The cylinder has a turn line through the finish along with a few scattered light nicks and minor edge thinning. Pins are unmarred, and all markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with only light play at each stop. No transfer bar has been installed. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Blackhawk has been in continuous production since 1955 and has been widely adopted by single-action shooters for going on four generations now. It has been redesigned, revised, and updated constantly, and has been chambered for all manner of cartridges. This example is from 1963, many years into production, and is in great shape. Good luck and happy bidding!