John Taffin Ruger Flattop Blackhawk .357 Mag Single Action Revolver, 1960
SOLD FOR: $1,715.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS025
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Blackhawk
Serial Number: 28781
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 “28781”. 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 Flattop 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 light pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall these grips rate Very Good 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 but there is some stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
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 Ruger’s first centerfire single-action revolver and quickly became one of the company’s most recognized designs. The early .357 Magnum Blackhawks, produced before the transition to the New Model action, are highly regarded by collectors for their traditional three-screw frames, four-click hammer system, and classic flattop configuration. Manufactured in 1960, this example represents an early Flat Top Blackhawk from the original production era and retains the desirable combination of a 6.5″ barrel, adjustable sights, six-shot .357 Magnum chambering, and traditional side-loading action. The inclusion of a John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity adds additional collector interest, particularly among enthusiasts familiar with Taffin’s extensive work documenting classic single-action revolvers.
This revolver remains in Very Good condition while retaining approximately 96% of its original metal finish. The blued surfaces show light to moderate thinning on the leading edges, light operational wear, a thin cylinder turn line, and light patina on the hammer. The loading gate has developed an attractive plum coloration, while 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, though some stubborn fouling remains throughout, rating 8.5/10 in this writer’s opinion. The two-piece smooth walnut grips show light pressure dents and scratches but remain free of chips or cracks and rate in Very Good condition. Mechanically, the revolver functions correctly and retains its desirable original four-click hammer system without a transfer bar safety.
For collectors of early Ruger single actions, this 1960 Flat Top Blackhawk represents one of the most desirable variations of the original .357 Magnum Blackhawk series. These early revolvers occupy an important place in Ruger history, bridging the traditional styling of classic single-action revolvers with Ruger’s modern manufacturing approach and durability. The combination of its early three-screw configuration, factory flattop frame, long barrel, original finish, strong bore, and documented association with the John Taffin Collection makes this an appealing example for advanced Ruger collectors. Whether appreciated as a historic Ruger milestone, a classic .357 Magnum single action, or an example connected to one of the most influential writers in the sixgun community. -R.E.