Is this '72 .357 BH a deal I should persue?

[k22fan]

My Rugers are all shooters. I don't pay any attention to the prices of collectable rugers so I need a little help.

I've been offered a 1972 6 1/2" 3 screw .357 that is described as bing in excelent condition in its original box and only fired 50 rounds. The seller says he bought it from the original owner along with a half fired box of .357s that were the only .357s the original owner ever bought. The first price asked was $450 followed by $750 for it and a 6" blued Security 6 that he values the same as the BH. I already have a couple of 6" stainless Security Sixes so I don't need another. I haven't seen them so I didn't counter offer but I'd be supprised if he doesn't accept $400 on the BH.

Regarding BH terminology, the seller called it a "Flat Top" but couldn't even remember it had adjustable sights. Is 1972 too late for it to be a Flat Top?

 

[contender]

A 1972 357 Blackhawk is not going to be a "Flattop." The Flattops went away in 1963. And even at $450,, it would be a good buy. Especially with the box & all. Heck, adding the $300 for the Security-Six is a good deal too. (I'm sure someone on this board would love to have it!)

 

[NuclearMeltdown]

I think it's certainly fair. I'd do it!

 

[GasGuzzler]

$400 is great around here. $450 is still pretty good, better than pretty good if as described.

 

[rugerguy]

Great deal, buy them BOTH ,move the Security Six and you'll get money back, lessening the price of the BKH36....nice spot to be in

 

[k22fan]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not surprised your guys like Rugers.

The Security Six was described as being a little finish worn so it doesn't tempt me to nearly duplicate what I already have. The BH is another matter because it would be my first 3 screw. That's good and bad. Good because it would add a classic type of gun I don't have, but bad because I'd have to think while I handle it. It would be somewhat like my only Sig in that regard. The Sig's slide catch is right where I habitually use a safety.

I'll try to contact the seller and get a look at them tonight. If that works out I'll post what they actually look like tomorrow.

Thanks again.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

A 1972 .357 Blackhawk will almost assuredly have a 31-prefix serial number and be in the last year of "three-screw" production. There were a very few shipped in early 1973, but that was the year of the introduction of the New Models.

As mentioned, it will not be a "flattop" but a "protected rear sight" version . . . the "second generation" of Ruger .357 single-actions.

With box and in "excellent" condition it sounds like a pretty good deal.

JMHO

 

[ozo]

If it's all good and on the up-n-up,
I would buy both, maybe offer $700 for the two.
Hey, 1/2 box of .357 is worth what....$500 ?
Just kiddin'.
The 3 screw has not been 'fixed', right ?
The Security-Six is worth $300 easily.
Get 'em both if you can.....I would.

 

[Glupy]

I look at it that current Blackhawks would cost about that much and the old models are nicer. It won't become a high priced gun in the future but it will be a highly valued gun forever.

I would buy it if I wanted a 357 Blackhawk. I would not buy it just because I found it for sale. The Security Six is not rare either but they aren't made any more.

Glupy

 

[k22fan]

I looked at them and declined to buy. The BH is in about 90% condition with holster wear and no box. It still retained its three hammer cocking notches and had mint Long Neck Eagle walnut. He offered to go $400 for either revolver or $725 for both. Based on the replies here I think the BH was fairly priced but no better than that. I may come to regret passing on the BH but not the Security Six. I don’t sell guns and just don’t need another 6” Security Six.

Incidentally, other than its Pachymers the Security Six was in better condition but had one flaw that could be serious. Someone filed the breach face from the right side across to the firing pin hole. The only reason I can think of for that is an ignorant attempt to correct cylinder drag that is actually caused by end shake allowing the cylinder to drag on the barrel. I didn’t use the seller’s time trying to diagnose it.

The BH certainly felt like an entirely different revolver than my stainless .357 BH. In hind sight if I had gone there expecting to look at a 90% BH for $400 I would have been more likely to buy it. There might be a lesson there for those of you who sell guns.

 

[mohavesam]

So - do the guy a favor and post the guns w/pics here. He'll get a good price and someone who appreciate Ruger guns will get the deals. Be a bud.