John Taffin Custom 50th Year Ruger Blackhawk .357 Mag SA Revolver, 2005 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,121.21
LSB#: LSB260521SS026
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: New Model Blackhawk (#05201)
Serial Number: 520-07055
Year of Manufacture: 2005 / Modern
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 “520-07055”. The left side of the frame is marked, “RUGER .357 MAGNUM CAL. NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK ®”. The top of the barrel is marked, “50TH YEAR BLACKHAWK 1955 TO 2005”.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a fully adjustable Micro square-notch leaf in a base pinned to the flat-top strap.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece checkered rosewood panels with silver Ruger-style medallions. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no cracks, but there are a few tiny chips. Overall these grips rate in Very Good + condition. These grips are not original to this revolver.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
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 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout. There is a thin crisp turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Excellent condition as refinished.
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. The action has been lightened. This revolver sports a replacement Bisley-style hammer.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity.
Our Assessment: Ruger introduced the original .357 Magnum Blackhawk in 1955, establishing the company’s first centerfire revolver and creating the foundation for one of its most successful single-action families. In 2005, Ruger commemorated the Blackhawk’s 50th anniversary with a special New Model Blackhawk in .357 Magnum, and Ruger’s own serial-number history identifies the 520-prefix range as belonging to the 2005 50th Anniversary Model. This example has been further customized and is accompanied by a John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity, adding provenance of particular interest to students and collectors of modern single-action revolvers. The revolver retains its 4 5/8″ barrel and commemorative configuration while incorporating a Micro adjustable rear sight, replacement Bisley-style hammer, lightened action, and aftermarket checkered rosewood grips. This revolver remains in Excellent condition as refinished, retaining approximately 99% of its blued finish with only faint handling marks and a thin, crisp cylinder turn line. The screw heads remain sharp, the pins are undamaged, and the markings are clear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating 9.75/10 in this writer’s opinion. The replacement two-piece checkered rosewood grips show light handling wear and a few very small chips but remain free of cracks and rate in Very Good Plus condition. Mechanically, the action functions correctly and has been lightened, while the replacement Bisley-style hammer further distinguishes this revolver from a standard factory example. The included John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity documents its provenance.
For collectors of Ruger single actions and firearms associated with John Taffin, this revolver combines a desirable commemorative platform with thoughtful custom modifications and strong condition. The 50th Anniversary Blackhawk already represents an important milestone in Ruger history, while the Taffin provenance, custom action work, Bisley-style hammer, aftermarket grips, and Micro rear sight give this particular example an individual character beyond that of a standard commemorative revolver. Its excellent cosmetic condition, exceptional bore, and documented association with one of the best-known modern writers on single-action revolvers make it an appealing example for the Ruger enthusiast or advanced handgun collector. -R.E.