Blackhawk with Vaquero-like Straight Sight

[beyoko]

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?

 

[Professor]

People used to build them for SASS before vaqueros were available

 

[beyoko]

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?

 

[G2]

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“Ruger, Blackhawk & 30-30328” (yes SN#) was put on by Sturm Ruger when the gun was originally made.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.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

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.

 

[G2]

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.

 

[Professor]

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?

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.

 

[hittman]

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.

 

[hittman]

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

Did you buy it?

 

[Wyandot Jim]

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.

 

[beyoko]

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 !!!

 

[Hondo44]

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.

 

[PRichardson87]

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.

 

[jgt]

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.

 

[Hondo44]

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

 

[beyoko]

Hey folks,
I finally got around to taking more detailed photos, especially the engraving.
The story goes that the guy who did the work was a government "engineer" from north Alabama who would occasionally do commissioned work like this. His job took him to some places where he was in the line of fire. Can't verify the story so I'll leave it there.
It was commissioned to celebrate some aspect of the Spiderman franchise, to which th detailed engraving alludes. Supposedly, there's a mate to it somewhere.
Anyone who could suggest a fair price (no commitment) would be very appreciated. I realize it's only the uniqueness which gives it value. I have a member who's shown interest, but we haven't discussed price. I'm simply looking to get some ideas about a 'fair' price (bigger than a breadbox, smaller than a barn).
Thanks for your thoughts and interest.
Enjoy the new photos !!

 

[beyoko]

Here's the remaining photos....

 

[Ale-8(1)]

"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!

Zoomed in, the ser # appears to be 30-30329. Pics of cocked hammer reveal that it has NOT been converted.

And yes, a beautiful effort.

 

[DGW1949]

That is a very nice 6-gun you've got there.

DGW

 

[beyoko]

Just a heads-up, this unique gun is now for sale on GB.
Many of you will see portions of your explanatory responses in the description, with my extreme thanks.

Search for "SASS Blackhawk Vaquero"

 

[BearBiologist]

Nice gun except for the caliber! S/B 45 Colt!

 

[thinckley]

Gorgeous gun, but I think your price is way too high... It would scratch a recent itch I have, but I still wouldn't pay half of what you are asking. IMHO, FWIW.

 

[Hawk-in-Wi]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1067917264

 

[hittman]

 

[TINCANBANDIT is back]

I got the opportunity to inspect this fella, had an aluminum barrel.....built for quick draw competition where they shoot wax bullets at ballons, very little pressure and no need for rifling

 

[rvolvr]

Bright chrome, straight out of the bumper shop. I hope the "donor" OM was beyond salvageable.

 

[freakindawgen]

Stupid question due to inop brain, is this Blackhawk the same size as the current Vaquaro?

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Stupid question due to inop brain, is this Blackhawk the same size as the current Vaquaro?

Yep It is on the mid size frame

 

[TINCANBANDIT is back]

Stupid question due to inop brain, is this Blackhawk the same size as the current Vaquaro?

confusing yes, the old model Blackhawks (3-screws) and the New Vaquero are the same frame size, as is the 50th Anniversary Blackhawks

 

[Hondo44]

Same size frame as the new model flattop Blackhawks except the 44 mag.