John Taffin Ruger New Model Blackhawk .45 Colt 7.5″ SA Revolver, 1975 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,015.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS058
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: New Model Blackhawk
Serial Number: 46-11039
Year of Manufacture: 1975 / C&R
Caliber: .45 Colt
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single-Action Revolver w/ Ejector.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “46-11039”. The left side of the frame is marked, “RUGER .45 CALIBER NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK” with the Ruger logo. The side of the barrel is marked with the Pre-Warning Ruger Southport address.
Barrel Length: 7.5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a black serrated ramped blade fixed to a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a black square-notch leaf in a base pinned to the top strap adjustable for elevation and windage. The front sight has been re-soldered.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece large aftermarket checkered walnut panels. There are minimal handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall these panels rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Stainless Grip Frame
Finish Originality: Refinished, Replacement Grip Frame
Cylinders: One Fluted 6rd .45 Colt cylinder.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.75/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and small nicks throughout along with a few spots of thinning. There is a light plum patina throughout. The screw heads range from sharp to moderately tooled and the pins are undamaged. The markings are somewhat blurry and filled in. This revolver is in overall Very Good + condition as refinished.
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 sports a Super Blackhawk hammer.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity.
Our Assessment: The Ruger New Model Blackhawk represents the post-1973 evolution of Ruger’s classic single-action revolver line, incorporating the transfer-bar safety system while retaining the robust large-frame construction and traditional side-loading configuration that made the Blackhawk popular with hunters, outdoorsmen, and handgun enthusiasts. Chambered in .45 Colt and fitted with a 7.5-inch barrel, this 1975-production example is a desirable early Pre-Warning New Model. It has also been customized with a replacement stainless grip frame, oversized aftermarket checkered walnut grips, a Super Blackhawk hammer, and a re-soldered front sight. Its provenance from the John Taffin Collection adds further collector interest.
This revolver remains in Very Good Plus condition as refinished, retaining approximately 97% of its applied metal finish. The surfaces show light scratches, small nicks, scattered thinning, and a light plum patina, while the screw heads range from sharp to moderately tooled and the pins remain undamaged. The markings are somewhat blurred and partially filled from the refinishing process. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, though stubborn fouling is present, rating 8.75/10 in this writer’s opinion. The oversized checkered walnut grips show minimal handling wear and remain free of chips or cracks, rating in Excellent condition. The action functions correctly, and the revolver is accompanied by a John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity. -R.E.