My Early 3-Screw 357 Blackhawk

[Noah Zark]

Thought I'd share, I picked this one up a year ago for cheap ($175); it's a pre-prefix 3-Screw 357 Blackhawk that's not made it back to the factory yet:

The right side photo shows the 9mm cylinder that came to me with the gun, but I don't think it was originally sold with the Blackhawk. Maybe, dunno for certain the way the old guy talked. Sounded as if he had another 357 Blackhawk Convertible he sold without the 9mm cylinder; he had forgotten about it. In any event the 9mm cylinder functions as if made for the revolver, though.

Noah

 

[cellar701]

Very nice - looks like a keeper for sure!

 

[flhr62]

Wish I could find them for that price that looked like that.

 

[Axehandle]

Contact our Ruger buddies. They can tell you if it shipped as a convertible...

 

[threescrewheekma]

Noah,

Ya done stole that gun-great score!! If I'd come across a deal like that my wallet would've been outta my pocket so fast that folks near me would've heard a small sonic boom!

Is the .357 cylinder numbered to the gun as well?

Best,

Threescrewheekma

 

[yogiboobooranger]

I have a space in my safe that would hold your revolver perfectly for safekeeping..Just sayin'

 

[chet15]

Noah:
Yes....you really need to call the factory to see if that was shipped as the model BKH34X. That model in a non-prefix serial number variation is on most collectors' want lists....it is RARE.
If you find out it did ship as BKH34X, be sure to let us all know. You may want to stick that one in the safe and find another shooter though.
I can tell you that somebody has changed the grips. They should have black eagle medallions (with either neckfeather medallions or post'66 type medallions) and the eschutcheons in the grips and grip screw should be blued steel.
Chet15

 

[w5lx]

Noah:
Yes....you really need to call the factory to see if that was shipped as the model BKH34X. That model in a non-prefix serial number variation is on most collectors' want lists....it is RARE.
If you find out it did ship as BKH34X, be sure to let us all know. You may want to stick that one in the safe and find another shooter though.
I can tell you that somebody has changed the grips. They should have black eagle medallions (with either neckfeather medallions or post'66 type medallions) and the eschutcheons in the grips and grip screw should be blued steel.
Chet15

Chet,
I have a similar gun that may have the correct grips on it with the black eagle medallions. It also has a non-prefix serial number. I did not realize it might be a rare model.

 

[gunman42782]

Man! You got a deal on that for sure!

 

[Noah Zark]

I can tell you that somebody has changed the grips. They should have black eagle medallions (with either neckfeather medallions or post'66 type medallions) and the eschutcheons in the grips and grip screw should be blued steel.

Chet:

Those grips are in a baggie the previous owner gave me with a few boxes of ammo. I just never put them back on the gun.

Thanks for the info and comments!

Noah

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Noah:
Yes....you really need to call the factory to see if that was shipped as the model BKH34X. That model in a non-prefix serial number variation is on most collectors' want lists....it is RARE.
If you find out it did ship as BKH34X, be sure to let us all know. You may want to stick that one in the safe and find another shooter though.
I can tell you that somebody has changed the grips. They should have black eagle medallions (with either neckfeather medallions or post'66 type medallions) and the eschutcheons in the grips and grip screw should be blued steel.
Chet15

Chet,
I have a similar gun that may have the correct grips on it with the black eagle medallions. It also has a non-prefix serial number. I did not realize it might be a rare model.

Yep this one looks like it has the neck feather grips. Looks like the sight screw is to long and it ringed the cylinder.
Nice gun.
On the other one. Does the 9mm cylinder have the last three of the serial number etched on the face of the cyl. If so pretty good indication it was shipped as a convertible.

 

[Noah Zark]

. . . Does the 9mm cylinder have the last three of the serial number etched on the face of the cyl. If so pretty good indication it was shipped as a convertible.

There are no marks on either the .357 or 9mm cylinders.

Noah

 

[flatgate]

Nice ol' .357. I'd call Ruger and inquire about the gun's shipping configuration, exactly as Chet15 suggested.

I'd also shorten up the rear sight's elevation screw so it does NOT contact the cylinder any more. Tis a sad thing to see that ring.......

flatgate

 

[chet15]

Chet,
I have a similar gun that may have the correct grips on it with the black eagle medallions. It also has a non-prefix serial number. I did not realize it might be a rare model.

It is rare only if it letters from the factory as BKH34X. I would estimate that there were probably no more than 500 non-prefix BKH34X made. And even that estimate might be way too high.
By the way, the grips on that gun have the harder to find "neckfeather" medallions. Those were used for only about a year.
Chet15

 

[Bucks Owin]

Nice ol' .357.

I'd also shorten up the rear sight's elevation screw so it does NOT contact the cylinder any more. Tis a sad thing to see that ring.......

flatgate

Yep......Immediately!

 

[w5lx]

Already been fixed. Unfortunately, it came that way.