Ruger 3-Screw Flat Top Blackhawk .44 Magnum 6.5″ SA Revolver, 1962 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,575.00
LSB#: LSB260410SH006
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Blackhawk
Serial Number: 28801
Year of Manufacture: 1962 / C&R
Caliber: .44 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single-Action Revolver w/ Ejector.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “28801”. The left side of the frame is marked, “RUGER BLACKHAWK .44 MAGNUM CAL” with the Ruger logo. The side of the barrel is marked with the Ruger Southport address.
Barrel Length: 7.5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a black serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a black Micro square-notch leaf in a base pinned to the top strap adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two piece smooth walnut panels with silver Ruger medallions on either side. There are light pressure dents and scratches throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall these panels rate in Very Good + condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Anodized Aluminum Grip Frame
Finish Originality: Original
Cylinders: One Fluted 6rd .44 Magnum cylinder.
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 97% of its metal finish. There are light scratches and small nicks throughout. The grip frame has light to moderate thinning. The screw heads are sharp and the pins undamaged. The markings are clear. This revolver is in overall Very Good + 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. No transfer bar, (4-Click hammer.)
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Ruger box, paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Flat Top Blackhawk is one of the most collectible and historically significant revolvers produced during the early years of Sturm, Ruger & Co. Introduced during the rise of the magnum revolver era, the Flat Top Blackhawk combined classic single-action styling with modern strength and engineering capable of handling the then-new .44 Remington Magnum cartridge. Early “3-Screw” examples such as this revolver retained the original pre-transfer bar lockwork and distinctive flat top frame profile that collectors strongly associate with Ruger’s formative production period. Chambered in .44 Magnum, one of the most influential revolver cartridges ever introduced, the Flat Top Blackhawk became a landmark in post-war American handgun development. This example, manufactured in 1962, remains in very good plus overall condition, retaining approximately 97% of its original finish with only light handling wear, scattered scratches, and mild thinning visible on the anodized grip frame. The bore remains excellent, showing bright surfaces and sharp rifling with no visible erosion, supporting its outstanding 9.75 out of 10 rating. The walnut grip panels exhibit honest handling wear while remaining structurally sound with no visible cracking or chipping. The revolver also retains its desirable Old Model four-click hammer action without the later transfer bar conversion, preserving the original operating characteristics sought after by many Ruger collectors.
Altogether, this Ruger Flat Top Blackhawk represents an early and highly desirable example of Ruger’s classic single-action magnum revolver platform. Its pre-transfer bar configuration, flat top frame, and .44 Magnum chambering reflect a pivotal period in American revolver development during the early 1960s. Complete with its factory box and paperwork, the revolver stands as a strong collector-grade example of one of Ruger’s most iconic early handgun designs. -R.E.