Unfired 1961 Ruger Blackhawk 357Mag price?

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

My dad gave me a birthday present yesterday, an unfired Ruger blackhawk 357Mag, in the original box. Serial # search shows it was made in 1961. He said he has had it for over 30 years now.

Its amazing in its mint quality, I see only one faint scratch across the top of the rear sight. The original box and documentation is complete and amusing to read through. It kindof makes me sad as I'd love to shoot the thing, but its just too pristine to fire.

Without taking it into a gun store, I've been trying to figure out what its worth atm. Being unfired is what throws me off, condition is everything and this is at the top of the grade. I guess I could take it down to Lokes store Gunnies and have them look it over, they are one of the few I trust.

I have no interest in selling the gun, but I do like to roughly know what things are worth. Anyone have one of those big books of gun prices?

-DallanC

Bushmaster

If it's a three screw frame...A bunch!

Gil Martin

Sounds like a real gem and is probably worth a good bit. A devoted collector would shell out a wad of cash for it. Prices vary across the country and condition is everything. You will likely get enough numbers for a bingo game. Since you want to keep it, it is priceless. Good catch. All the best...
Gil

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Huh, I didn't even know about 3 screw versions. Well, apparently it is. Apologies for poor pictures. I snapped 2 quick ones more to get the serial# and model stampings on the other side:

-DallanC

Bushmaster

If you have ever played with a later model Blackhawk you realized that the cylinder timing was way off when opening the loading gate to load the weapon. The Three Screw model loaded just like a Colt SAA. With the hammer at half cock and the loading gate open the chamber lined up with gate. Unlike the later Rugers.

Bet you have to place this one in half cock to load.

Loke · Member Joined: May 13, 2013 Posts: 207

The "old model" we're made prior to 1973. They do not have the transfer bar firing system, and are not safe to carry with a live round under the hammer. Just like a Colt. The "old models" do command a premium from the collectors. As far as value goes, bring it down and I'll look it up for you on Friday afternoon. Just have the cashier call me to the front so they don't spin the cylinder when they clear it. I'm there after 3. Another resource would be gunbroker. Check the closed auctions to see what similar guns are selling for.

Elvis

Vince will be brought to tears when he sees this beauty.......
it came from your Dad and could go to your son....value???priceless
sure value it for insurance purposes then go blast a few boxs and enjoy it.

Pumpkinslinger

From Bluebook website: (Sorry, doesn't copy and paste well)
Grading 100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60%
4 5/8 in. bbl. $1,300 $1,000 $850 $700 $550 $400 $325
6 1/2 in. bbl. $1,850 $900 $650 $550 $400 $300 $225
10 in. bbl. $2,500 $2,175 $1,600 $1,000 $700 $600 $500

Vince

Elvis wrote:

Vince will be brought to tears when he sees this beauty.......
it came from your Dad and could go to your son....value???priceless
sure value it for insurance purposes then go blast a few boxs and enjoy it.

You're right mate...I love old guns that are handed down from father to son.

Watch this space.

Bushmaster

Loke...You can load all 6 chambers and let the hammer down so the firing pin is between case heads.

My Ruger Blackhawk. Unfortunately it is not a three screw.

This is my Colt in 4 3/4". Second generation. Purchased new in 1966.

Please feel free to drool, Vince.

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Pretty guns.

I re-oiled the Blackhawk last night after having been handled so much. Then back in the box it went and into the "safe place". I dont have a need to ever fire it so it will indeed goto my boy then hopefully on to a grandson or somesuch.

Thanks everyone.

-DallanC

Vince

I’m drooling Bushy...gorgeous guns mate.

That’s great Dallan...I’m sure your son and grandsons will appreciate Kate it mate...so long as you have instilled your love of beautiful firearms in them.

PaulS

Rugers, especially Blackhawks get better with use. They don't wear out, they wear in. Smile