Old model .45 Colt Blackhawk

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Joined
Sep 16, 2007
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Location
Dallas, OR US
The 45 Colt old models were only made for a year or two and while I do not have my refence book in front of me, I believe they are the caliber with the least number of old models made. This is excluding rarities such as Hawkeyes, engraved etc.
 

Quarterbore

Blackhawk
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Mar 9, 2008
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Valley Forge PA
I have been sort of looking for one shipped in 1970, January of that year would be a must have. Lucky for my budget, I have yet to find one yet but I am still paying off my Clements gun purchase so it makes it easier not to look hard right now.
 

contender

Ruger Guru
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Sep 18, 2002
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Lake Lure NC USA
The OM 45 Blackhawks were made from 1970-1973. Serial number range is 45-00111 to 45-23031. So only about 22,921 were released to the public. Add in the popularity of SASS, and non collectors, and the availability of them drives up the demand, and the prices.
Pristene NIB examples command premiums. Heck, even shooters can set you back more than many other models.
 

texaswheelgunner

Single-Sixer
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
182
Location
Schertz, Texas USA
contender, Thanks for the facs. and numbers here on the OM .45 Blackhawk. I have one shipped in '71 with 7 1/2" bbl.

Had the front sight built up a bit, cylinders opened up to .452, and added a Milllet rear sight and steel e.r.h. Among all my other handguns, this is my favorite shooter by a long shot. :D
 

deserttrans

Buckeye
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Dec 17, 2007
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1,211
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Arizona
Yep, many of the 4 5/8 inchers are being used by SASS. I think the shorter ones bring a higher premium too.
 

bigbore45colt

Hunter
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Apr 9, 2005
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Phoenix, AZ
To be a bit more precise, the OM 45s were made from Dec, 1970 until May, 1973. So, Quarterbore, you won't find one from Jan, 1970. The Dec, 1970 shipped guns are hard enough to find.

The s/n range actually started with 45-00001. There were 23,030 of them made...less than there were 44 mag flat-tops.

They are one of my main areas of Ruger collecting (the other being factory brass frames). I sure do love those OM 45s!!

BB45C
 

contender

Ruger Guru
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Sep 18, 2002
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Lake Lure NC USA
Matt is correct as I just copied part of that info from the RENE guide. I knew that the serial numbers should have been 45-00001 & up, as I have seen a few lower numbers than 45-00111.
And I too happen to enjoy that model.
 

ButchG17

Bearcat
Joined
Jan 25, 2012
Messages
20
Location
Minnesota
The Ruger site shows mine was probably shipped in 72....number 45-166xx.

RugerBH45Colt.jpg
 

Chief

Single-Sixer
Joined
Jul 8, 2003
Messages
260
Location
Illinois
COR said:
Get the books! Trust me, you'll be glad you did. Author is Dougan and worth every penny.

To which book are you referring? Can it give me the month of manufacture?
Chief
 

flatgate

Hawkeye
Joined
Jun 18, 2001
Messages
6,784
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Star Valley, WY
Chief,

None of the "Books" are that detailed. One must call the Ruger Factory and they will usually supply the month and year of shipping. They don't usually supply the manufacture date.

Below is an example of Ruger's "Letter" on a pair of ol' .22's I have.

174686578.jpg


Notice that only the shipping data is supplied.

flatgate

PS OK, I gotta "show off" the guns.........

115908431.jpg
 

Chief

Single-Sixer
Joined
Jul 8, 2003
Messages
260
Location
Illinois
flatgate said:
Chief,

None of the "Books" are that detailed. One must call the Ruger Factory and they will usually supply the month and year of shipping. They don't usually supply the manufacture date.

Below is an example of Ruger's "Letter" on a pair of ol' .22's I have.

174686578.jpg


Notice that only the shipping data is supplied.

flatgate

PS OK, I gotta "show off" the guns.........

115908431.jpg


Wow!
Thanks for the info and the pic! Real nice Flatgate! I aspire to be you.
So really what "books" are available?

Chief
 

contender

Ruger Guru
Joined
Sep 18, 2002
Messages
25,444
Location
Lake Lure NC USA
Ok the books;
Join the Red Eagle News Exchange, and you will get the "Ruger Reference Guide" as part of your first subscription. It's invaluable.

Next, Get a copy of R.L. Wilsons "Ruger & His Guns." Even some book discount places have them for under $20

Next, a few by John Dougan;
"Know your Ruger Single-Actions 1953-1963."
"Ruger Single-Actions the Second Decade,"
"Ruger Pistols & Revolvers the Vintage Years" 1949-1973.

Chad Hiddlesons book; "Encyclopedia Of Ruger Semi-automatic rimfires" (Lots of good info that's crossover to other things too.)

Don Findley's book; Bill Ruger's 22 Pistol. Again, lots of great info beyond the semi's.

Those are a start,,,!
 
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