BOWEN CLASSIC ARMS Custom Ruger Blackhawk .44 Special Revolver MFD 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2725
LSB#: 230120TA001
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Bowen Custom Blackhawk “Old Model”
Serial Number: 135584
Year of Manufacture: 1968 (Ruger Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .44 Special
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 “.44 SPECIAL CAL. / BLACKHAWK”, the Ruger trademark logo, and “®”. The right side of the frame under the cylinder is marked with the serial number “135584”. The back of the cylinder is marked with the Bowen crest and “584”.
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 serrated black square-notch leaf in a base pinned to the top strap and is adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are refinished two-piece smooth wood panels. There is light crazing on the lower flats. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Custom Case Color Frame, Hammer and Alloy Grip Frame
Finish Originality: Original to the Parts
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9 out of 10!
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The metal is free of any notable wear or damage. There are several scuffs and nicks with finish loss on the edges of the cylinder. Pins are unmarred, and all markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with only light play at each stop. A transfer bar is NOT present. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The creation of the Blackhawk revolver was important to Bill Ruger Sr., and preoccupied him to such a degree that in a letter to Outdoor Life’s Jack O’Connor he wrote: “I am really very anxious to get this magnum gun started… and until it has been made a reality I cannot get on with a couple of other projects I have already begun… ” The Blackhawk revolver was more a full-sized Colt than its predecessor, the Single-Six, and its development occurred on the heels of demand for a powerful single-action revolver chambered for .357 Magnum. This example has come through the last 55 or so years in really fantastic shape thanks to Bowen Classic Arms, who has given the revolver the No. RS06 cylinder and barrel conversion treatment! The original .357 barrel and cylinder have been re-chambered for .44 Special, high-vis sights have been installed, and the whole thing is rounded out with a handsome case color frame and hammer. .44 Special provides a bit less recoil than its magnum cousin, and the lucky winner will have quite the luxurious revolver for themselves. Now, ready, aim, bid!
—Rick
