Ruger Blackhawk Flat-top .44 Magnum 6.5” Barrel SA Revolver, 1959 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,004.99
LSB#: LSB251001KM045
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Blackhawk
Serial Number: 16009
Year of Manufacture: 1959 / C&R
Caliber: .44 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single-Action 6-Shot Revolver w/ Ejector.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “16009”. The left side of the frame “RUGER BLACKHAWK .44 MAGNUM CAL” with the Ruger logo. The side of the barrel is marked with the Ruger Southport address.
Barrel Length: 6.5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a black serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a 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 two-piece smooth walnut panels with silver Ruger medallions at their tops. There are pressure dents and small scratches throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate at Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Cylinders: One Fluted 6rd .44 Magnum Cylinder.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some light stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout with some light thinning on the end of the barrel and frame. The screw heads are mostly sharp and the pins undamaged. This pistol is in overall Very Good + condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. This revolver has no transfer bar conversion (4-click hammer).
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Blackhawk Flat-Top in .44 Magnum is a legendary revolver that represents the earliest chapter of Ruger’s venture into magnum revolvers. Introduced in 1956 as the first .44 Magnum revolver to compete with the Smith & Wesson Model 29, the original Blackhawk featured a flat-top frame, adjustable sights, and a Colt SAA-inspired profile, but with Ruger’s signature investment-cast strength and modern coil springs. These first-generation “Flat-Tops” were only made from 1956 to 1962, and this 1959-produced example—with serial number 16009—is part of that highly collectible and historically significant run. This revolver remains in Very Good+ condition, retaining about 96% of its original blued finish. There is some thinning at the muzzle, minor handling marks, and edge wear, but the overall appearance is clean and sharp. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion, rating a strong 9/10. The fluted cylinder shows a faint turn line, and the action remains tight and correct. Importantly, this revolver has not been converted to Ruger’s transfer bar safety system and retains the original 4-click action, making it more desirable to collectors. The walnut grips with Ruger medallions show typical pressure marks from use but remain free of cracks or chips.
As one of the earliest .44 Magnum revolvers ever made, and the first from Ruger, this 1959 Flat-Top is both mechanically capable and historically significant. It’s ideal for collectors of early Ruger firearms, magnum revolvers, or anyone who appreciates a piece of post-war American firearms innovation. -R.E.
