Blackhawk with Vaquero-like Straight Sight

Has anyone ever seen a Ruger like this one? It has extensive engraving, including the words 'Blackhawk' and 'Ruger' on the left side of the frame and what looks like a serial number on the right side.
Based on my limited knowledge, this is really rare or really a fake.
Can anyone provide any insight?

People used to build them for SASS before vaqueros were available

Does that mean that Ruger didnt actually produce it in this fomat?
Someone (post production) took a Blackhawk, modified the sight system/picture, and added a bunch of engraving?
Any idea how many of these might exist?

That particular Blackhawk is from 1970, and its Old Model, Converted?…it appears to be the original Old Model action. A picture with the hammer cocked will tell for sure. Some sort of plating, maybe satin nickel,,, Keep in mind no stainless in 1970.
Somebody spent some good money$$$ to get themselves a dressed up Vaquero.

It's been said there is no such thing of a "Old Model Vaquero" NOW you can say "wanna bet"

Ruger didn't make em,,, True,,, but whom ever did that on sure looks like a nice job.

To answer or clarify, YES the adjustable sight was removed, welded up the top strap, then contoured it to Vaquero style top strap, and installed a front single blade, then plated it to cover up the work.
"Ruger, Blackhawk & 30-30328" (yes SN#) was put on by Sturm Ruger when the gun was originally made.
Fake, I wouldn't call it that, A Very Nice Custom Build, YES!

Please post more pictures for us to enjoy.

Welcome to the forum and way to show up with a gem.

Very nice! Someone spent a pretty penny on that one.
No. Ruger isn't responsible for the final format on this one... It's been altered.
From the shape and position of the trigger, this one also hasn't been converted.

Pull the Grip Panels and look for hidden makers mark, engravers mark, plating mark, etc.
Be real careful with those grips, while very pretty, they are usually a just a fragile, don't over tighten the screw.

beyoko said:

Does that mean that Ruger didnt actually produce it in this fomat?
Someone (post production) took a Blackhawk, modified the sight system/picture, and added a bunch of engraving?
Any idea how many of these might exist?

Click to expand...

No Ruger never made a 3 screw fixed sight center fire. Your gun was altered significantly but in an interesting way. The market for that one would be based on someones desire for such a variation. There is no method to compare prices.

Custom.
Began life as a common run of the mill Blackhawk.
Depending on the material, the grips may be worth as much as the gun.
But some folks like 'em all scratched up and modified that way.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

Did you buy it?

Here are a couple done by Alan Harton in Houston. He also did 15-20 for Joe Bowman. They were very popular with the quick draw guys at one time.
The one you have looks very good some not so much.

Thanks a million for all the great responses ! Y'all have dispelled some of the mystery and let us know what we've got in our hands.
The piece was a gift to my brother-in-law. He often helps out older folks around their house and sometimes gets rewarded like this for his kindness and generosity.
Although we both appreciate (and own) some nice firearms, this one is a bit out of character for either of us. We're not into SASS, but appreciate that this piece might mean a lot more to someone who is. He's asked me to test the waters of selling it, so there may be a continuation of the story in the near future.
Once again, thanks for all the help and knowledge !!!

That's a great piece of Ruger history even though not supplied by Ruger in its current configuration. Shooters liked the strong action with modern coil springs for their longevity and dependability, but they wanted the traditional Colt single action look. And shooters didn't need adjustable sights for quick draw competition.

Ruger eventually realized the sales they were missing out on and finally 40 years later introduced their Vaquero model that looks like yours.

Welcome to the forum. That's some very nice work. Personally I'd hang onto it as you would probably never get back what it cost to do that. Fun conversation piece if nothing else.

I own two blued three screw models built into "Vaqueros" before Ruger came out with them. First one (a 4") was custom done for me by Alan Harton. The second one (a 5&1/2") looks to be done by Alan, but was purchased second hand so I can't say for sure. I have some Ruger built Vaqueros but, none are as nice. Mine are 44 special caliber.

Often we'd see these modified Rugers with color case hardened frame that would really look like the Colt single action model 1873 guns.