Blackhawk ID

[bokaloo]

New to the forum and first post.

I recently bought Blackhawk which I believe is a 44 spcl conversion on a 357 mag frame. Serial #48375 puts it at about 1963-64, I think. The frame is marked XR3-RED bought there are no marks that I can find that would identify the gunsmith who did the conversion. The lady I bought it from knew nothing about the gun and there was no paperwork with it.

I'm hoping someone might recognize the work and be able to identify the gunsmith (I know there were a lot of them doing conversions).

Thanks in advance.

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[BlkHawk73]

No idea but it looks to have been done clean!

 

[akbluz]

bokaloo,
Welcome to the RugerForum - you'll find some really knowledgable folks here.
You have a fine looking firearm - but alas I have no idea who did the conversion. Enjoy it by putting lots of rounds downrange.
akbluz

 

[Ale-8(1)]

As far as I can tell it's a custom piece, and a nice-looking one at that.

Congrats on a nice find.

 

[Pinecone]

bokaloo, Welcome to the forum. Take the grip frame off the gun and check both grip and cylinder frames real "close" for a telltale custom maker. If he went to the trouble to mark the frame with caliber and model, he's more than likely put his "mark" somewhere on that gun! I have rarely ever had a custom gun apart that didn't "have" the maker's mark on it somewhere............................Dick :wink:

 

[flatgate]

I see what appears to be a Belt Mountain base pin. The "re-marked" cylinder frame is evidence that a "Pro" did the work.

NICE!

flatgate

 

[seeemmiss]

That base pin almost looks like a Bowen pin. Is the barrel cut under the screw in that pin? If so I would almost bet it is Hamilton Bowen's work. You can send him an email and ask him. He will look it up by the serial number.

 

[yankee7809]

The font style of the lettering looks a lot like the work of Mr Bowen as well. If it is his work it was done very well indeed.

 

[Quattroclick]

That's a dang nice gun, whoever built it. I'd try to wear it out. I'll bet it shoots great!

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
I have very limited knowledge of custom guns,, and who did their work. However,, I have owned 1 Bowen conversion to 44 spl and there are a lot of little things that make me agree with others that yours could be a Bowen as well.

 

[jimbo1096]

Very nice Blackhawk. Wouldn't mind having that one on the shooting bench, Congrats for a great find.
And welcome to the forum!

 

[VonFatman]

Welcome.

Great find. Congratulations!

Bob

 

[Dale53]

bokaloo;
That's a NICE .44 Special. This caliber holds a special place in my heart. Congratulations on a good find!

I have several .44 Specials including the .44 Lipsey Special and they are Keepers!!

Dale53