Blackhawk .357 Price Question

[creeksidewilly]

It's 4 5/8 in pretty clean shooter grade condition. Fake pearl grips which would be replaced.
The price is $400. That seems like a pretty good deal to me, but by the time I pay for shipping, bcg and transfer it's closer to $500.
Is that a deal or not really? What do you think, should I go for it?
Thanks.

 

[XUSNORDIE]

OM or NM?

 

[creeksidewilly]

I'm pretty sure it's a new model, but how can I tell from a photo?

 

[contender]

Easy.

Look at the side of the main frame. If possible,, the right side. In the main frame,, there will be either (3) screws,, or (2) pins. The screw heads are on the same side as the serial number.
The 3-screw version is an "Old Model" and doesn't have a "safety transfer bar."
The 2-pin version, does have the safety transfer bar and is a New Model.

But there is also a disclaimer. Occasionally,, you'll find an Old Model,, that was returned to the factory,, and has been "converted" and now has a safety transfer bar.

 

[XUSNORDIE]

how can I tell from a photo?

Contender is spot on. You can also check by pulling the hammer back some to look for the transfer safety bar.

Can you show a pic?

 

[creeksidewilly]

I took a screen shot. It looks like two pins to me.

 

[hittman]

From 1975. Too much for a New Model in my book.
Lots of desirable OMs for sale in that range of $500.

 

[creeksidewilly]

Thank you. I don't need it and the money can go somewhere else.

 

[MS86]

From 1975. Too much for a New Model in my book.
Lots of desirable OMs for sale in that range of $500.

Where are you seeing old model 357 Blackhawks in the $500 range?

 

[Johnnu2]

Where are you seeing old model 357 Blackhawks in the $500 range?

I found many in gun shops that cater to the tacticool gangs.

J.

 

[hittman]

Where are you seeing old model 357 Blackhawks in the $500 range?

This took a minute ……. (y)




https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1109999406

 

[contender]

As noted,, a New Model,, and it has the 2 pins.

And at $500 that is a subjective pricing. In some places,, it's high, some about normal, and some a good buy.

 

[creeksidewilly]

Actually $400. Plus shipping, bcg and transfer. Around $500. all in.

 

[contender]

I understood your description of pricing. You'd be out about $500 to buy it.
The price of $400 for just the gun is more in line with values,, but once you add the "extra expenses," it becomes less attractive.

 

[GasGuzzler]

That's a decent price for an old New Model. A new one is $650 if you shop around. I very rarely see an OM Blackhawk for sale on a shelf and when I do the price always starts with a 7 or higher. It's all regional. I would have more than one if they were $500 around here. My Old model Single Six is worth more than $500 locally.

 

[Hankus]

I found many in gun shops that cater to the tacticool gangs.

J.

That’s been my longstanding strategy!

 

[Sacramento Johnson]

The tacticool shops here in southern Nevada don't offer centerfire Ruger single action revolvers; any kind; used, new, old model, new model.

 

[Star43]

Same here in the CA central valley. I visited a large and well established gun shop the other day and yes, you will see Wranglers, but no Single Sixes.....as far as Blackhawks, which i was inquiring about.....the salesman said: "We haven't seen a Blackhawk in here for a very long time" .....

 

[Hankus]

There’s a medium sized chain ( eight stores) of gun shops/indoor ranges in FL called Shoot Straight. They had a pretty good selection of Ruger handguns in stock the last time I was in there; Single Sixes, GP100s, SP101s, Vaqueros, Blackhawks, SR22s and MkIVs. The only problem is they want full MSRP for them. There’s a specialty tacticool shop in Sarasota called Shark Coast Tactical and they have a few new Rugers but they’re pricey too. If I wanted to buy a new Ruger handgun it would be cheaper to go to GB or order through Davidson’s website. I occasionally run across good prices at other local shops on used consignment Rugers.

 

[bisleyfan41]

That's not a bad price at all. Current New Models cost more than that and are of lesser quality. The one you pictured is an older New Model and looks to be in great shape. It is from a time when Ruger still shipped quality stuff that didn't require multiple trips back for repairs.

If you're new to single actions, the Old Models require a little more care in handling and operation, but are great guns.

Regarding the comments above about finding plenty of Old Models for $500, they aren't comparing apples to apples.

Seems as though you'll pay the ~$100 in added fees no matter the gun. So you'll need to find an Old Model in great shape for $400 for a real comparison. $400 Old Models in great shape are NOT laying around everywhere.

 

[bisleyfan41]

This took a minute ……. (y)




https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1109999406

That will cost so much more after tax and 1% GB compliance fee. Then add shipping and transfer fees at the FFL. That gun could be closer to $650 when all is said and done.

 

[hittman]

My point is simply that before I would pay a premium for new there's many much more desirable old models available.

Old models simply do not require more care in handling, etc; but they are much better firearms than new models.

 

[contender]

"If I wanted to buy a new Ruger handgun it would be cheaper to go to GB or order through Davidson's website."

You may often find lower prices online,, but you have to get a handgun shipped to a FFL in your area, and the shipping, the taxes, transfer fees etc all add up to often costing the same as buying local.

 

[Star43]

That's the same reason I don't like to buy anything online....the extra fees and hassle. Especially here in California.....

 

[creeksidewilly]

That's not a bad price at all. Current New Models cost more than that and are of lesser quality. The one you pictured is an older New Model and looks to be in great shape. It is from a time when Ruger still shipped quality stuff that didn't require multiple trips back for repairs.

If you're new to single actions, the Old Models require a little more care in handling and operation, but are great guns.

Regarding the comments above about finding plenty of Old Models for $500, they aren't comparing apples to apples.

Seems as though you'll pay the ~$100 in added fees no matter the gun. So you'll need to find an Old Model in great shape for $400 for a real comparison. $400 Old Models in great shape are NOT laying around everywhere.

That makes sense to me, thanks.

 

[G2]

A NM from 1975,,, I would prefer,,, especially compared to the "New Crap" that is coming out now….MNSHO.

That gun was built when WBR was running the operation,,, difference???

Donald J Trump,,, HUGE

 

[bisleyfan41]

That will cost so much more after tax and 1% GB compliance fee. Then add shipping and transfer fees at the FFL. That gun could be closer to $650 when all is said and done.

Just to follow up, I emailed the seller for a shipping quote. $100 shipped and insured. So that's $655 + tax + 1% GB compliance fees, in addition to your FFL's transfer fee. So, over $700.

 

[bisleyfan41]

Old models simply do not require more care in handling, etc; but they are much better firearms than new models.

Your opinion, not mine. Glad we each get to have one.

 

[dsf]

I lean towards maybe not "lots" for $500.00 but there are some out there - $525.00 out the door from Legendary Arms in Medford, OR.

I think $500.00 or so is a "I should buy it" price for an Old Model. I bought an older New Model for $100.00 less, but it was a 41 Magnum and suspect that may have had something to do with it.

 

[GasGuzzler]

First I heard anyone favoring a New Model. There is no New Model I am paying $700 for except a 32/32-20 Buckeye.