OM Blackhawk .30 carbine in 4 5/8 inch?

[oldwest]

Was this critter ever produced in this configuration by the factory? I have the opportunity to buy a 98% 3 digit (1968) OM Blackhawk in .30 carbine. Not sure I am in love with the caliber, but I always wanted a 3-screw, this gun is local and in great shape (unconverted). But, the barrel is 4 5/8 which not only is not ideal for the caliber, but I didn't think Ruger ever made them in anything other than 7 1/2. It appears to have an aluminum grip frame and ejector rod housing and an un-numbered cylinder. Is this gun legit as it sits or has it been 'modified'? What kind of value do you give it? As a shooter I know .30 carbine is not popular or fun (loud), but as a collectable with a 3 digit # and maybe a rare barrel length, I think I may never see one again.

Thanks

 

[Ale-8(1)]

"All" .30 Carbine Blackhawks were 7-1/2" guns.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

I agree!

 

[krw]

Can you only imagine the ball of fire! Shooting that at night would be a Hooot!

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Yep.

And LOUD!!!!!

 

[Ruger1441]

Very Very loud

 

[radicalrod]

So what's the serial number ????? RR

 

[Eaglestroker]

If the price were right I'd buy it for myself, shoot be a ton of fun. For collector purposes probably better buys for the money.

 

[oldwest]

So what's the serial number ????? RR

3xx

So, I guess it has had a barrel replacement. The gun looks like it's never been messed with. Looks like any other 98% OM in 4 5/8, I guess the gunsmith did a good job, but I suppose collector value is now nil. Yes, one could have a correct vintage 7 1/2 in barrel put back on it, but the cost of the barrel and then qualified gunsmithing to have it done right, costs of shipping a firearm back and forth etc. would add up to be many hundreds. Not sure it pays. As a shooter, hmm, maybe, but .30 carbine in a short barrel....I would suspect very inefficient, would leave a lot of unburned powder/lost velocity, a large fireball and leave you and the guy next to you deaf.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Well, that would just make it a good candidate for reloading some not-quite-so-enthusiastic ammo.

I "adjust" all my ammo to the intended task, and pleasant backyard shooting is quite possible with the .30 Carbine. Realize that its case is not all that different from a .357 mag . . .

Some 100-grain or 110-grain bullets and some Unique, Green Dot, or even Trail Boss, and you're in business. There are others, of course.

 

[oldwest]

Anyone care to throw out a ballpark value? Does it have ANY collector value? I mean 3xx and unconverted, unusual caliber, 98% bluing BUT non original cut barrel.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Well, if nothing else it's a good "parts gun".

But still, that three-digit number is attractive if a barrel swap could be had cost-effectively.

Hard to say.

 

[Jim Puke]

Talking about "Shock and Awe"....

 

[Chance]

Sounds like an interesting gun that would be fun to own at the right price. Collector value el zippo, but the cool factor would be around the 450 range for me

 

[contender]

Well it is a 3 digit gun, so if it were "correct" it would have some collector value. But, it's a shooter since it's been modified.
I'd say about $400 max.

 

[NitroAcres]

Would like to see pics if you get it..

 

[buckeyeshooter]

sounds like a great starting point for a nice 32-20!

 

[Beaver Creek]

Anyone care to throw out a ballpark value? Does it have ANY collector value? I mean 3xx and unconverted, unusual caliber, 98% bluing BUT non original cut barrel.

I think little or no collector value but my cool factor is bigger than some. If it becomes available I'm interested. See what you can snag it for. Could be a bonus in there for you.

 

[8pointer]

I would like to know the full serial number. Could be worth more to the collector(s) trying to match numbers up.

 

[SteveRuger]

I would have to look but I used to have a barrel that was 7-1/2" I don't remember if it is old model or new model. J/S