flattop find

[trauma1]

picked up a flat top 357 with 5 digit sn 34xxx. has a box that has seen better days. says catalog no bkh36. any info on date of manufacture and value would be greatly appreciated. yes, I know value is based on condition so lets just assume 95-97%

 

[Ale-8(1)]

6-1/2" barrel gun, right?

 

[trapperon]

According to Ruger 34325 was the beginning serial number in 1961 for the 357 Blackhawk

Ron

 

[contender]

As noted above,, 1961 began with 34325 and went to 39489. And a 6-1/2" bbl will be the BKH-36 model. It should be a Type 3 FT .357.
As to value,, there is a little difference in that depending upon how many rifling grooves the barrel has. Is your gun a "6" groove, or an "8" groove rifling?
But as you mentioned, condition is very important. And there is a serious difference in a 95% gun vs a 97% gun. Are you using a NRA grading guide?

 

[trauma1]

wow lots of variables serial number is 349xx range . not real sure how to tell if it 6 or 8 groove barrel.
using nra score system puts it at 95% overall picked it up $500

 

[chet15]

Actually, it is probably a Type 4 BKH-36 with 8-groove barrel.
But there are a few 6-groove barrels lurking in the 34xxx range which would make it a Type 3.
The Type 3 BKH-36 is a pretty scarce variation.
Chet15

 

[Tip]

Eagerly awaiting pictures.

 

[Johnnu2]

I'm NOT a collector, but I am an accumulator of Ruger OM Blackhawks. That said, I would say that you did very well ESPECIALLY if it were a 4 5/8" bbl gun. Either way, with the box and maybe "the papers" that may have come with the box, you done good.... especially since you can sell that box to a collector for (I would guess AGAIN) $75 - $150 depending on condition..... Now you have a great gun to enjoy for only about $400. This may be the only price guesstimate you may get )))
NICE SNAG
IMHO of course,
J

 

[contender]

Johnnu2, his gun is listed as a 6-1/2",, not a 4-5/8".

At $500 for a 95% gun you did good. Even if the box is a bit rough.

 

[Johnnu2]

You know way better than me Contender....thanks.
I was really trying to get someone to jump in with a number ).
p.s. I believe there is one in our Classifieds for sale as we speak....

 

[wildturk]

Nice find! I have one, a 6 groove in the 25xxx S/N range.

 

[trauma1]

so tell me how to figure out if it is a 6 or 8 groove

 

[NitroAcres]

so tell me how to figure out if it is a 6 or 8 groove

Make sure the revolver is UNLOADED...look in the end of the barrel and count the grooves.
There are grooves and lands..count the grooves.

 

[chet15]

so tell me how to figure out if it is a 6 or 8 groove

Make sure the revolver is UNLOADED...look in the end of the barrel and count the grooves.
There are grooves and lands..count the grooves.

And you can use a piece a paper in the cylinder hole to reflect light back up into the bore.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Johnnu2, his gun is listed as a 6-1/2",, not a 4-5/8".

So far, all we know for sure is that the box is for a 6-1/2" gun. Can we confirm the actual barrel length on the gun, please?

 

[trauma1]

6 1/2 in gun

 

[Ale-8(1)]

6 1/2 in gun

Thank you, Sir. :mrgreen: