1967 10 inch FT 357

[Ale-8(1)]

Essentially all guns in that time period have made the change to eight-groove. You can relatively easily count the grooves/lands right at the muzzle. Shining a light into the opposite end can help.

A Ruger letter would not likely contain this detail. If you are lucky, all you will get is "shipped configuration" (catalog number), barrel length, and ship date. It may specifically mention the caliber, but the catalog number defines that as well.

 

[chet15]

Here's the examples I have noted with 10" barrels in that first small block of serial numbers, all with 8-groove barrels.

36057
36067
36081
36086
36093
36100
36104

I would say your gun was probably definitely made as a 10-incher.
When you confirm I'll add your gun tot he list.
Chet15

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I'd agree with Chet15 on that, including groove count.

 

[Windjammer II]

I received my Ruger letter and states the Blackhawk revolver was shipped in April 1961 as a model BKH-30 in .357 Magnum for serial number 36065. The letter confirms and agrees with the gentlemen 's previous posts. Thanks everyone for your information and replies on this revolver.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Fits nicely in the "short run" mentioned earlier, falling between 36057 and 36067 on Bob's List, and Chet15's as well.

Probably safe to believe it's an 8-groove gun.

Congrats on a nice find with good documentation.

 

[Armybrat]

I must be going blind - can't see even one example picture of the type gun in question.