John Taffin Ruger New Model Blackhawk .327 Fed 5.5″ SA Revolver, 2010
SOLD FOR: $1,626.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS001
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: New Model Blackhawk (#00353)
Serial Number: 38-01055
Year of Manufacture: 2010 / Modern
Caliber: .327 Federal Magnum
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single-Action 8-Shot Revolver w/ Ejector.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “38-01055”. The left side of the frame “RUGER .327 MAGNUM CAL. NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK.” with the Ruger logo. The underside of the barrel is marked with the Ruger Newport address. The inside of each grip panel is inscribed “TK & JT” (Tony Kojis & John Taffin) with the dates they were made.
Barrel Length: 5.5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a black serrated ramped blade pinned to a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a fully adjustable black square-notch leaf in a base pinned to the top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: This revolver has two piece custom smooth walnut panels screw-set to the frame. There are a few faint handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate at about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Cylinders: One Fluted 8rd .327 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 lead fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is light handling wear throughout. There is a crisp turn line on the cylinder. The action has light wear and carbon fouling from use. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are undamaged. This revolver is in overall Excellent + 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.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Original Ruger hard case, paperwork, test fire packet, John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity.
Our Assessment: Ruger’s New Model Blackhawk has remained one of the company’s most recognizable single-action revolver platforms, combining traditional sixgun styling with modern safety features and rugged construction. The introduction of the .327 Federal Magnum chambering expanded the Blackhawk line by offering increased velocity and versatility while maintaining the handling characteristics of a classic single action. This 2010 example features the desirable stainless steel configuration, 5.5″ barrel, adjustable sights, and eight-shot cylinder designed for the .327 Federal Magnum cartridge. Further distinguished by custom smooth walnut grips marked with the initials of Tony Kojis and John Taffin along with their production dates, this revolver represents a highly personalized example from the John Taffin Collection. This revolver remains in Excellent Plus condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original stainless steel finish. The metal surfaces show light handling wear, a crisp cylinder turn line, and minor action wear with carbon fouling consistent with use. The screw heads remain sharp, the pins are undamaged, and the markings are clear aside from the serial number discrepancy noted above. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, though light stubborn lead fouling is present throughout, rating 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. The custom two-piece smooth walnut grips show only a few faint handling marks and remain free of chips or cracks, rating in Excellent condition. The action functions correctly, and the revolver includes the original Ruger hard case, paperwork, test-fire packet, and John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity.
For collectors of Ruger single-action revolvers and firearms associated with John Taffin, this New Model Blackhawk offers a unique combination of modern performance, custom craftsmanship, and documented provenance. The .327 Federal Magnum chambering, eight-shot cylinder, stainless construction, and adjustable sights make this an especially versatile and desirable Ruger configuration. The custom grips and association with both Tony Kojis and John Taffin further distinguish this revolver from a standard production example. Once the serial number discrepancy is resolved, this revolver should stand out as an excellent representation of Ruger’s modern single-action craftsmanship and a notable addition for collectors of custom sixguns. -R.E.