John Taffin Ruger Flattop Blackhawk .357 Mag Single Action Revolver, 1960
SOLD FOR: $1,428.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS064
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Blackhawk
Serial Number: 28469
Year of Manufacture: 1960 / C&R
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded 6-Shot Single-Action Revolver with Ejector Rod.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “28469”. The left side of the frame is marked, “RUGER .357 MAGNUM CAL. BLACKHAWK ®”. The side of the barrel is marked with the Ruger Southport address.
Barrel Length: 6.5”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square-notch leaf in a Micro base pinned to the Flat-top strap and is adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece smooth wood panels. There are 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 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is light to moderate thinning on the leading edges. There is a thin turn line on the cylinder. There is light to moderate operational wear along with light patina on the hammer. The loading gate has turned plum. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Very Good 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: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity .
Our Assessment: The Ruger Blackhawk was introduced in 1955 as a modernized single-action revolver that combined traditional Colt-style handling with Ruger’s stronger coil-spring lockwork and adjustable sights. Early examples with the flat-top frame profile are particularly desirable to collectors, representing the first generation of Ruger’s centerfire single-action revolvers before the later protective sight ears and New Model transfer-bar system were introduced. This 1960-production .357 Magnum example retains the classic three-screw, four-click action, 6.5-inch barrel, adjustable Micro rear sight, and flat-top frame configuration. Its provenance from the John Taffin Collection adds further collector interest.
This revolver remains in Very Good condition, retaining approximately 96% of its original blued and anodized finish. The metal surfaces show light to moderate leading-edge thinning, a thin cylinder turn line, light to moderate operational wear, light patina on the hammer, and a plum-toned loading gate. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled, the pins remain undamaged, and the markings are clear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating 9.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The smooth wood grip panels show light pressure dents and scratches but remain free of chips and cracks, rating in Excellent condition. The action functions correctly and retains its original four-click lockwork without a transfer-bar safety. Accompanied by a John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity, this is a desirable early Flattop Blackhawk with strong original condition and documented provenance. -R.E.