I'm a Buckeye!

[NixieTube]

I'm celebrating my 1,000th post tonight because it means that I just became a "Buckeye" here on Rugerforum.

That's a model designation that isn't currently in production, but apparently they are very interesting firearms.

I'd appreciate it if one of our more seasoned members explained to me why the Buckeye was and is a special firearm. From what I can tell it's a Blackhawk but with some special chamberings.

 

[737tdi]

Nixie: Congrats on 1000. I can not answer the question on the Buckeye, never owned one. Watch out with your post count though, it will drop at some point, mine has several times due to purging of old posts.


Karl

 

[wizofwas]

Oh, posting. I was thinking something else and was going to send my condolences.

 

[mhblaw]

Ruger made two "Buckeye" specials for Buckeye Sporting Goods of Ohio. One with a 32 H&R Mag cylinder and a 32-20 cylinder (32 caliber), the other with a 10mm Mag cylinder and a 38-40 cylinder (40 caliber). 6 inch barrels and good shooters. I have both of them with same serial number, different prefix.

 

[contender]

Actually there were 3 Buckeye Specials. Along with the 2 mentioned above, there was a 44-40/44 mag. The 32 cals were done in 1988, the 38-40/10mm was done in 1989, and the 44-40/44 mag was done in 1990. There are approximately 5202 of the 32 cal, approximately 6199 of the 38-40/10mm done, and approximately 1219 of the 44-40/44 mags.

 

[Kevin]

Are they similar to Blackhawks in fit and finish, like a similar trigger feel?

And it is prononuced Buck- "EYE", and not Buck "Eee" right?

 

[mhblaw]

Contender is correct. The 44 was on the Super frame.

 

[rugerguy]

Nixie, glad to see you became a 'Buckeye' and yes, the first two of the Buckeye Specials were done on the Blackhawk frames, done through Johns Sporting Goods (Buckeyes Sports Supply) in Canton,Ohio and as noted above had two different prefixes and if you ordered the first one, you could get the matching number ,in the second order for the 38-40-10mm.....I seem to recall the third gun was NOT through Johns, but Williams Co ??? no logo on the top strap as it was not Johns to offer...he also had Bianchi make some holsters in brown leather with the full flap, they did try out the same thing in black but he did not order them, so there were just a few 'samples' out there...........

 

[737tdi]

I love this forum, did not know any of this. Sure would like to have the 44-40/44 mag.. Would go great with my .44 mag collection.


Karl

 

[Ale-8(1)]

The Buckeyes had 6-1/2" barrels, and the .44 version was not an "official" Buckeye gun as it did not carry the top strap marking.

 

[mohavesam]

A very recent thread here on the topic - http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=232913&start=15

Rugerguy is correct above - the 44RM/44-40 Convertible Super Blackhawk was NOT a "Buckeye Special"'. Very desireable, just often confused with the two Buckeye Special guns, probably due to being released on the heels of the two...

A personal note - I have never seen a Buckeye-stamped gun with poorly-fitted grips. I believe they were all Goncalo Alves?
I also have always noticed these guns to be a bit better-polished and deeply-blued, and I have no factory specifics on that, but I subconciously compare every Blackhawk I handle to the Buckeye guns I've had.

Both models are getting pretty pricey!

 

[NixieTube]

Thanks, everyone for the background info. I'm glad they seem to be rare, valuable and desirable. I'll take that flattery: if I'm going to be labeled as something, I'd prefer it to be a good label, instead of something like "Framewreck" or "Kaboom!" :lol:

 

[T.A. WORKMAN]

Great fit & finish,
Here's my three all NIB, #57, also have one of the tan holsters new in the bag.
Terry

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Thanks, Jug!