Ruger 3-Screw Blackhawk .45 Colt Single Action Revolver & Box, 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,825.00
LSB#: LSB260410SH007
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Blackhawk
Serial Number: 45-08025
Year of Manufacture: 1971 / C&R
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded 6-Shot Single-Action Revolver with Ejector Rod.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “45-08025”. The left side of the frame is marked, “RUGER .45 CALIBER BLACKHAWK ®”. The side of the barrel is marked with the Ruger Southport address.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a 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. There are very light pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are no chips or cracks. This set of grips rates in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Anodized Black grip frame.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout. There is a faint thin turn line on the cylinder. There is light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and the pins are undamaged. Overall this revolver is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. No transfer bar, (4-Click Hammer)
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Original cardboard box, 6x snap caps.
Our Assessment: The Ruger 3-Screw Blackhawk represents one of the most desirable early generations of Ruger single-action revolvers, combining classic western styling with the strength and durability of modern post-war firearms engineering. Produced prior to Ruger’s transfer bar conversion system, these “Old Model” revolvers retained the traditional four-click hammer action and lockwork closely associated with classic Colt single-action revolvers. Chambered in .45 Colt, one of the most iconic revolver cartridges in American firearms history, the Blackhawk became highly popular among shooters seeking traditional single-action handling with modern strength and reliability. This example, manufactured in 1971, remains in excellent overall condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original finish with only faint handling marks and a light cylinder turn line visible from operation. The bore remains exceptional, showing bright surfaces and sharp rifling with no visible erosion, supporting its outstanding 9.75 out of 10 rating. The walnut grip panels remain in excellent condition with only minimal handling wear present and no structural damage visible. The revolver also includes its original cardboard box along with six snap caps, enhancing its overall completeness and collector appeal.
Altogether, this Ruger 3-Screw Blackhawk represents a highly desirable example of Ruger’s Old Model single-action revolver platform from the final years prior to the transfer bar redesign. Its four-click hammer action, .45 Colt chambering, and original factory configuration reflect the enduring appeal of early Ruger single-action revolvers among collectors and shooters alike. The revolver stands as an important example of Ruger’s role in the revival and modernization of the American single-action revolver during the second half of the 20th century. -R.E.