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ruger blackhawk

briguy
Would a Blackhawk with the barrel marked "Made in the 200th year of American Liberty" be worth a premium over a standard blackhawk?
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11 comments

Date Votes
  • briguy
    Current manufacture 44 Mag Blackhawk. Will be loading/shooting hard cast, lead bullets. What is the barrel twist rate and what weight bullets will shoot most accurately with that twist rate? Thanks!
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  • charliemeyer007
    Likely worth more to collectors. Its still a boat anchor just like the new model. It's a 5 shooter to carry.

    Most of them shoot OK, nothing special or exciting. Good serviceable pistols on the low end of price and craftsmanship IMHO.
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  • perry shooter
    the 3 screw does not have hammer block safety but like any firearm that has a old model " 3 screw" and a new model colledctor interest is more for the old model
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  • nmyers
    Many "old model" guns have been sent back to Ruger for the hammer block safety recall, so they function the same as the "new model".

    Neal
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  • beantownshootah
    They're definitely worth more to collectors. Three-screw models are the original Ruger design, before the transfer bar; they're more akin to the classic Colts that way.

    These may have slightly better/slicker actions, but the older Colt design means they can go off if dropped with the hammer down on a loaded chamber. Traditionally, these are loaded with five rounds in the cylinder and the hammer down on an empty chamber for safety.

    You can read, probably more than you'd ever want to know, about these below:

    http://sportsmansvintagepress.com/3-screw-ruger-blackhawk/

    Edit: And yes, many of the older guns have been retrofitted by Ruger with the transfer bar. So from a functional perspective, there many not be ANY difference. As an aside, I've been told that if you send Ruger any older gun, for any reason, and it hasn't already been done, they'll automatically retrofit the transfer bar safety whether you ask them to, or not!
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  • Mark G
    Years ago I sent a 45LC three screw back to Ruger to have a 45ACP cylinder fitted to it. Ruger called and advised that in order to do the work it would have to be upgraded to the transfer bar safety. I didn't care so I said go ahead. They did the work, returned it in a new box and returned the parts they had removed in case I wanted to convert it back at a later date. Don't know if they still return the old parts or not.
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  • tsr1965
    The 3 screw models do have more collector value, when their condition warrants it...meaning, they have to be in good condition.

    About the retrofit of the new parts. They fit a transfer bar to the old gun, and have previously sent the old parts back. As to function, the retrofitted guns, do not change in function. To load and unload the gun, you open the loading gate, and pull the hammer to half cock to load and unload the gun. The New Models, to load and unload, all you have to do is open the loading gate, and the cylinder will turn to load/unload it. This is from experience! I have my late grandfathers 98% first year flattop Blackhawk, and my late father sent it in to be retrofitted. I have the old parts, and the pistol. My late grandmother paid $82.95 for it new, is what the receipt says. Yes, I am blessed!

    Edit 1

    I hate to say it like this, but the Old Models were made in the time frame that was the epitome of firearms manufacturing. The bean counters, had not yet gotten their hands on the production floor, and there was a lot more hand fitting, and pride that went into every one.
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  • TWalker
    To me, the old models are more desirable and have a greater value.
    The 3 screw 44 Magnum Super Blackhawks are especially well made with beautiful bluing and great triggers. They are also very accurate. I'll take an old model over a new model every time.
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  • Laredo Lefty
    All but one of my Blackhawks are 3 screw "old models". The one new model is a convertible .45 Colt and ACP. I much prefer the older models over the new. I agree, the old models are more collectible and desirable IMO.
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  • Grasshopper
    Love the 4 clicks.
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  • Hawk Carse
    A New Model is preferable to the kluge of a retrofitted Old Model.

    Are they still returning the SAA type parts? Their lawyers might be worried about people putting them back in and making the guns "dangerous" again.
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