Serious question on a 4-5/8 old model with serial no 236x

[southernbuck101]

I thought that might get some attention
I came across said 357 OM Blackhawk today.
Conservatively in 85-90% condition with no box, black hard rubber grips.
Got my juices flowing.
Especially at the price I was quoted.

The negative:
It has the transfer bar kit installed.
So....here's the question that I'm sure you seasoned veterans of this site have heard many times.
What's it worth and how much estimated cost to bring it back original.
This gun is beautiful.
And it's screaming at me to buy it.
He will even let me take it on credit.
But I don't like doing that, but the option is there.
Thanks in advance for the expertise of the brain trust here.

 

[hittman]

$150 or so to fix it.
It'd be worth it ….. git it or let us know if he'll ship.

Best barrel length ever. Mine is in the 150xx range, also about 90%. A jewel to me.

 

[southernbuck101]

So, would 500 be a realistic number?

I already have 2 new model stainless 4-5/8" Blackhawks In 357.
One is a recent convertible and the other is a 1981 vintage.

So I don't really need it.
But I certainly want it.

 

[arfmel]

$500 is a reasonable figure IMO

 

[hittman]

Blue Book says 90% = $775.00 and it's usually LOW.

I'd say arfmel is in the ballpark since it needs to be converted back to original.

And if the seller doesn't know it'd been modified maybe you can work him a bit on the price.

 

[G2]

If I'm understanding you right it's a 4 digit sn#, a 2nd year of production flattop (1956) this would be a early gun with the squiggles on the front sight ramp, flat serrated ejector rod button, and would have had a well curved skinny trigger, but that is with the original action parts.

Did you ask seller if he has the parts, check the box that it was sent back from Ruger. A lot forget or didn't remember or even know there is a baggie of all them old parts…

$500 is a deal even if it has had the conversion. And I don't even care what the condition is.

Some custom smiths won't use it as a platform,,, but thats only if one was looking for a platform.

~$150 for the original parts, and it's no biggie to swap them out.

DONT LEAVE US HANGING SHOW BACK UP WITH THE REST OF THE STORY,,, WITH PICTURES!!!!

 

[southernbuck101]

Yeah,I can't stand it.
I'm gonna tell the guy tomorrow that I will take it.
I'd been trying to buy this 1894 Marlin from him a while.
It kinda depleted the funds for this week.
It's a 44mag JM Stainless with a 91 first 2 digits.
Pics don't do the marbling in the walnut justice.

It will be a couple weeks before I can get the Blackhawk.
But I'll get pics when I do get it.

 

[collectormzornes]

It would not happen to be number 2363 for the serial number would it if so we might need to chat. I have a Blackhawk that is number 2363 but it is a 41mag and would love to have the 357 with the same number. I have and old model 357 4 5/8" but it is a 30- serial number gun. By the way I believe $500 to be a good deal as I feel all Rugers have gone up in the last couple of years and it's even hard to find a nice Single Six in that range anymore.

 

[contender]

$500 is a good deal.

But as noted,, the features of the gun point to it being a possible Type 1 Flattop. As such,, to get the absolute correct Type 1 parts may cost about $150-$200. But I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

 

[Randyzzz]

It would be at home in my safe by now! Especially if it was $500. I'd be willing to abuse the credit card for that- even though I just paid it off. We need pictures when you get it home.

Love that JM Marlin. I have a .44, date code is 1975. Smooth as butter. I do like the checkered stock on yours, however. Here's a pic of mine- the one in the center

 

[Hondo44]

Southernbuck10,

If your most recent new model convertible is not built on the Flattop mid-size Blackhawk frame (I know the 1981 .357 is not), you'll really appreciate that caliber on the old model flattop mid-size frame for its light weight and handiness!

 

[dobegrant.45]

I would buy it for sure at that price.

 

[RugerForMe]

The transfer bar kit would be my walk away. If you want an old 3 screw there are enough .357 OM out there that you will find one thats not converted.

 

[oldgunsrule]

Buy the Ruger and take your time getting the parts to change it back. Love the marlin!

 

[Johnnu2]

Tell the dealer that it's missing the original parts and you'll give him $400 because it'll cost you $150+ to convert it back to original.
It's worth a try.... maybe he'll knock off $50...
p.s. if there is a box, and if that box was the one Ruger sent it back to the orig owner after the conversion to the transfer bar, the original parts are usually "hidden' in a "compartment" in the box (box top if I recall)....Yeah, I HATE to admit it but $500 is a decent price... :-(

J.

 

[contender]

RugerForMe,, the main point here it that this gun is an EARLY, 4-digit,,, Type 1 Flattop. That's why it'd be well worth buying it. The parts can be found & the gun restored to it's "as shipped" condition.

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

Be advised that it won't be as easy as just looking for any set of OM .357 parts to convert it back, at least if you want the original configuration. G2 mentioned the early, well-curved skinny trigger. But probably more difficult to find would be the early narrow lands base pin.

Here is a type 1 flattop showing some things to look for, the skinny trigger, the base pin with the grooves spaced close together, the capped (not drilled through) base pin latch nut (which is probably still there on your gun), and the serrated ejector rod thumbpiece (also probably still there but sometimes got changed out for the later button style that is easier on your thumb to operate)

 

[gundog5]

I am going to get a Flatgate .22 Single Six fired very little with an original box. It belonged to my deceased father in law. I believe it is 4 5/8" barrel. Any idea what it might be worth.

 

[weaselmeatgravy]

Flatgates were 5.5" guns except for the early Lightweight Single Sixes. So more info would be needed. A Lightweight with the rarer box variation might be $5000. A run of the mill 5 digit boxed flatgate might be $600-800 but it could be $1500 for a type 1 or $4000 for a 2 digit serial number.

 

[Hondo44]

First we'd have to figure out exactly which model it is.

A Flat gate with a 4 5/8" barrel would have to be a Lightweight model (alloy frame and cylinder). So please confirm the serial number and confirm barrel length (measure from cylinder to muzzle).