Liberty Model or Not?

[Rgates]

A few years ago I inherited a Ruger NM Blackhawk 45 Colt/45ACP, 7.5". The serial number lookup at the Ruger site indicates the revolver was made in 1976 (46-22XXX). However, it does not have the "Made In 200th Year of American Liberty" on the barrel. Could this be an oversight during manufacture or do I have a rare valuable piece? The revolver is in good condition but no box or papers. Thanks for any info.

 

[radicalrod]

SUPER RARE....just kidding...probably the Ruger look up is a guesstimate....still a nice gun....RR

 

[rugerguy]

yessir, nice gun, and other than it possibly being rebarreled at some time, there are cases of before and after, the actual "Made in the 200th year...." guns this happened with the Colorado Centennial /US Bi-Centennial guns of 1976 as they were most likely made BEFORE, they started rollmarking, and assembling the "200th year" guns which was every model made during that year...........any doubt,get a letter from the factory , see just exactly WHEN ,your gun was made& shipped (they'll give you the shipping date ,but doubt if they give the build date) they USED to,,,,,,,hhhmmmm....... so much for the letters 8) :roll:

 

[hittman]

The serial number lookup on Ruger's site is widely known as inaccurate.

You need RENE if you're gonna get facts about Rugers.

 

[chet15]

A few years ago I inherited a Ruger NM Blackhawk 45 Colt/45ACP, 7.5". The serial number lookup at the Ruger site indicates the revolver was made in 1976 (46-22XXX). However, it does not have the "Made In 200th Year of American Liberty" on the barrel. Could this be an oversight during manufacture or do I have a rare valuable piece? The revolver is in good condition but no box or papers. Thanks for any info.

Since the known serial number range of Liberty marked Blackhawks runs from 46-20225 to 46-30848, it would not be surprising if your gun somehow missed the rollmark during manufacture....or as mentioned, your gun has been rebarreled.
Missing rollmarks aren't that common, but they don't bring a huge premium either...the thing is, there's probably no way to tell whether your gun has been rebarreled or not.
Chet15

 

[Rgates]

Thanks for all the input. I think it highly unlikely the Blackhawk was rebarreled as my father bought it new and I know it never went back to Ruger. The serial number is
46-22156 which would should put it in the range of the "Liberty marked Blackhawks" per Chet15. Maybe they did fail to put on the rollmark. It is in excellent condition for a gun that is 42 years old; I would estimate 95%+. At least I can list it for sale with better information. Total round count is probably less than 150 rounds through the 45 Colt cylinder and maybe 100 rounds through the 45 ACP cylinder. No box or papers.

My son has no interest in single actions so any suggestions on an asking price would be greatly appreciated.
Rgates

 

[chet15]

Thanks for all the input. I think it highly unlikely the Blackhawk was rebarreled as my father bought it new and I know it never went back to Ruger. The serial number is
46-22156 which would should put it in the range of the "Liberty marked Blackhawks" per Chet15. Maybe they did fail to put on the rollmark. It is in excellent condition for a gun that is 42 years old; I would estimate 95%+. At least I can list it for sale with better information. Total round count is probably less than 150 rounds through the 45 Colt cylinder and maybe 100 rounds through the 45 ACP cylinder. No box or papers.

My son has no interest in single actions so any suggestions on an asking price would be greatly appreciated.
Rgates

Honestly, a Liberty marked gun would only command a premium as long it is NIB.
Your serial numbered frame may have also not be assembled until after 1976 which is when there wasn't a LIBERTY marking and there also wasn't a WARNING rollmark...but it would take a letter from Ruger to verify that.
There probably isn't enough interest in a 95% gun though to warrant an extra premium. Gunbroker would have the best pricing examples of guns in that condition.
Chet15

 

[Rgates]

Thanks again for your insight and advice. Not expecting a premium as there are too many possibilities of markings or no markings and the revolver is not in NIB condition. I will be satisfied to sell as a 'shooter' to someone who wants a Ruger.
Rgates

 

[contender]

You have discovered it's not a rare Ruger.
However,, it is a piece of family history. Your Dad had it,, and now you have it. While your son may not have any interest in SA's right now,,, he MAY change later on.
May I suggest you write down a "history" of the gun. All that you know about it. Put it with the gun, and as you enjoy it,, add to the history. Then, let your son inherit it. By then,, his tastes may have changed,,, or there may be a grandchild of yours that would LOVE Great Paw-Paw's gun.
Just an idea.

 

[Hondo44]

Contender is so very right. Excellent suggestion. More often these days I find people who have only owned "black guns"; rifles or handguns. And then they shoot a friends revolvers, real guns with bluing and walnut! And they discover a whole new world of shooting!

In fact even if your son never 'finds the gold' in single action shooting, to make sure the gun gets into the hands of a grandson or daughter, put it in your will. Genes can skip a generation, and the grandkids may just be enamored and grateful to have had great grandpa's gun handed down thru the family with its provenance by you just for them!