I have always been a gun guy since way back when I was a little tike. My uncle told me about having a Ruger Blackhawk 357 converted to a 38-40. At that age...it was a gun so I was interested, but really had no clue what he was talking about. My uncle passed a little over a year ago and I am in the process of getting his "custom" Blackhawk from the estate by agreement with my aunt. I should be getting it Friday the 11th, so no pictures yet as private sales in IL require 3 day wait.
The barrel was made in West Germany...my guess is the conversion was done let 70's or early 80's. Any earlier than that and I doubt I would remember, but its possible he told the story not in real time, but past tense. Also, from a quick internet search it appears Herter's went out of business in 1981.
My questions for you fine folks is as follows; was this a common conversion starting with a Ruger Blackhawk 357 to convert to 38-40 using a Herter's barrel in .401? Value...does such a conversion hurt or help the value? I won't sell because of the family history, just curious the current value.
Any and all information, questions, comments and/or smart remarks appreciated!