Ruger Old Model Blackhawk .41 Magnum 6.5” Barrel SA Revolver, 1966 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,050.00
LSB#: LSB251003DB010
Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Blackhawk
Serial Number: 5788
Year of Manufacture: 1966 / C&R
Caliber: .41 Remington Magnum
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded Single-Action Revolver w/ Ejector.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “5788”. The left side of the frame “RUGER BLACKHAWK .41 MAGNUM CAL” with the Ruger logo. The side of the barrel is marked with the Ruger Southport address.
Barrel Length: 6.5″
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a black serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a black square-notch leaf in a base pinned to the top strap and is adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut panels with silver Ruger phoenix medallions. There is minimal handling wear throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Cylinders: One Fluted 6rd .41 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 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout with some faint thinning on the barrel and frame. The hammer has a few light spots of patina. The screw heads are mostly sharp and the pins undamaged. This pistol is in overall Very Good to 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. This revolver has no transfer bar conversion (4-click hammer).
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Original Ruger cardboard box & shipping box, paperwork.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Old Model Blackhawk in .41 Magnum represents a pivotal moment in mid-20th-century revolver development, combining classic single-action design with one of the most ambitious cartridges of its era. Introduced in the mid-1960s, the .41 Magnum was envisioned as a balanced alternative to the .44 Magnum, offering deep penetration and flat trajectory with slightly reduced recoil. Ruger was among the first manufacturers to fully embrace the cartridge, and early Blackhawks like this 1966 example reflect the company’s commitment to robust construction, clean lines, and practical accuracy. As an Old Model revolver, it retains the traditional four-click hammer and pre-transfer-bar lockwork that many collectors and purists strongly prefer. The .41 Remington Magnum cartridge, introduced in 1964, quickly earned respect among handgun hunters and outdoorsmen for its efficiency and terminal performance. In a 6.5 inch barrel, the cartridge delivers excellent velocity and controllability, making it well suited for field use. This revolver’s bright bore and sharp rifling are indicative of careful ownership, and the strong remaining blue finish underscores its limited use over nearly six decades. The original walnut grips with Ruger medallions remain exceptionally well preserved, complementing the revolver’s classic profile and reinforcing its period correctness.
Old Model Blackhawks chambered in .41 Magnum remain particularly desirable due to their relatively limited production and the enduring appeal of the cartridge itself. This example’s high finish percentage, excellent mechanical function, and inclusion of the original cardboard box, shipping box, and paperwork significantly enhance its collector value. As an unconverted Old Model with original lockwork intact, it stands as a highly attractive example of Ruger’s golden-era single-action revolvers and a noteworthy addition to any serious Ruger or magnum revolver collection. -R.E.
