1st Year Ruger Super Blackhawk Pre-Warning 3-Screw .44 Magnum Revolver, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,560.02
LSB#: LSB251003DB007
Make: Ruger
Model: Super Blackhawk
Serial Number: 1215
Year of Manufacture: 1959, 1st Year Production
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate
Barrel Length: 7 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight has a serrated ramped portion dovetailed and blended to the original portion of the blade integral to a base fixed to the barrel. The front sight appears to have been modified to make it taller. The rear sight is a Micro square-notch adjustable for elevation and windage in a base pinned to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood with black-on-silver Ruger phoenix medallions. The grips have only a few minor nicks with no notable damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original apart from the alteration of the front sight.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is some finish wear on the front sight blade where it has been altered. The finish is thinning at a few edges. The action shows minor operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The grip frame has a slight plum hue with slightly more notable plum on the loading gate, typical of Rugers of this vintage. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This revolver has NOT been altered with a transfer bar. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a fitted mahogany Ruger presentation case with a cardboard sleeve that has the serial number hand-written on the exterior.
Our Assessment: An echo of the Colt Dragoon, the Super Blackhawk was the first firearm manufactured by Ruger at the Lacey Place factory in Southport Connecticut and the Super Blackhawk was made as an answer to, and satisfying, many criticisms levied at the original Blackhawk revolver. The heavier, unfluted cylinder, square-backed guard, and adjustable rear sight settled most of the issues shooters had with the prior revolver and made firing the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge more pleasure than pain. Ruger is expert at filling gaps in the market and not even Colt could bring a Dragoon-esque revolver into being as they felt there was simply no improvement of their 1873 to be made. Well, leave it to Ruger to show the world otherwise.
This example was manufactured in 1959, the first year of production, and during the period when the revolvers shipped in mahogany presentation cases. The front sight blade has been altered to make it a little taller, but the revolver is otherwise in quite outstanding condition. Not just a pre-warning gun, it has the original three-screw, half-cock action which has not been updated with the later transfer bar assembly. To top it all off, it is particularly early in production with serial number 1215. This checks just about all of the boxes for the Ruger collector, but would also be suitable for handgun hunting, silhouette shooting, or just having fun blasting at the range. Good luck and happy bidding! -MY