Ruger Pre-Warning 3-Screw Flat-Top Blackhawk .44 Magnum Revolver, 1957 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1050

LSB#: 211003BB25

Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Model: Blackhawk

Serial Number: 3015

Year of Manufacture: 1957 (RUGER Serial Number Lookup)

Caliber: .44 Magnum

Action Type: Single Action Side-Gate Loaded Revolver

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked with “STURM, RUGER & CO. / SOUTHPORT. CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “RUGER  .44 MAGNUM CAL. / BLACKHAWK”, the company’s phoenix logo, and “®”. The right side of the frame under the cylinder is marked with the serial number “3015”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “S”. The rear sight tang is marked “Micro” in cursive script.

Barrel Length: 6 1/2”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade integral to a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a height-adjustable square-notch leaf in a base pinned to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are replacement two-piece faux pearl panels. Apart from minor handling marks, the grips are free of any notable wear or damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Fine-to-Excellent condition, as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blued and Black Alloy

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The ejector rod housing has a few spots of light surface oxidation. The loading gate has taken on a light plum hue. The rear of the guard has moderate spots of finish loss. The barrel and frame have scattered minor nicks and scuffs and the left side of the barrel has some more notable holster wear at the front. The heel of the grip frame has light finish loss. The cylinder has a few spots of minor surface oxidation. The screws have minor toolmarks with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good-to-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This old-model Blackhawk has not had a transfer bar installed, it is still in its original configuration. The cylinder locks with minor play on each chamber. 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: None.

Our Assessment: The Ruger Blackhawk has been in continuous production since 1955 and has been widely adopted by single-action shooters for going on four generations now. It has been redesigned, revised, and updated constantly, and has been chambered for all manner of cartridges. This example is from the second year of production, 1957, and has all the hallmarks of an early-days Blackhawk: three screws on the frame, a flat topstrap, and a serrated ejector rod lever. This revolver has hardly any significant wear, and the bore and mechanics are in great shape. These early Ruger revolvers are steadily moving into collectibility, and any revolver enthusiast would do well to place a bid for the chance to own this one. Good luck and happy bidding!

Ruger Pre-Warning 3-Screw Flat-Top Blackhawk .44 Magnum Revolver, 1957 C&R
Ruger Pre-Warning 3-Screw Flat-Top Blackhawk .44 Magnum Revolver, 1957 C&R