OM Blackhawk .41 questions

[digi-shots]

Does anyone know the reasoning for Ruger changing the serial numbers (no-prefix to prefix) on the first four years of production?

I have a first year, 3 screw, four digit and wondered if it was any different than the ones with the #40- prefix.
Is has been converted with a transfer bar. The gun is in great shape and appears unfired… did Ruger test fire the gun when they were refitted?

thanks!

 

[hittman]

Welcome to the forum!

There may be very minor differences but I think things like the action, frame, cylinder, barrel, etc. remained the same.

Don’t know the answers, sorry. Others will be along who do.

 

[Dan in MI]

I have no idea, but a question that may be related. When did Ruger switch to protected rear sights? Does it coincide with the prefix serial numbers?

I’m thinking this may be better in the collector forum. When I get in my computer I’ll duplicate it. On the phone I’m useless.

 

[hittman]

This might help:

https://www.rugerforum.com/threads/subscribe-to-the-red-eagle-news-exchange.30544/

 

[Dan in MI]

Ok, skip wild guess number 1.

Looking at Dugan's books it appears the prefix was added in 1969. Result of GCA '68?

 

[JohnW]

The reason for Ruger going to the prefix serial number system was indeed the Gun Control Act of 1968. It required every firearm a manufacturer produced to have a unique serial number, as of 1/1/1969. The prefix system was Ruger's way of accomplishing this. Prior to this, there would be mutiple models (including different calibers within the same model) with the same serial number. If you look into the serial number history of Ruger, every model produced in 1968 that carried over production into 1969, switched from the non-prefix to prefix S/N system.

I believe Ruger Records note the ship date of a particular firearm, so there are undoubtedly non-prefixed guns out there that will be identified as shipped in 1969, but be non-prefix.

To the OP, I'd love to see a couple photos of your non-prefix BKH41. I have one myself, that I picked up locally several years ago. It is unconverted and very nice mechanically, but a complete disaster cosmetically. It is currently in the hands of Bobby Tyler, being restored to as-it-left-Southport condition.

 

[contender]

JohnW has answered the main question. The GCA of 1968 was the reason the prefix's were added.
As for other differences,, on the .41's I do not recall anything changing between the two.

Dan's query,, No, the change from the Flattops,, to the protected ears rear sights happened in 1962-1963. All the .41's were made after the transition to the protected ear rear sights.

And lastly,, the test fire after a conversion from the OM action to the transfer bar,, I do believe Ruger does test them. If the gun appears "unfired" there are )2) plausible thoughts here. (1) It was like new,, and yet sent for a transfer bar, or (2) it went for a factory refinish, and was automatically retrofitted with the transfer bar. Ruger will always retro an OM when it comes in for service. My guess is #2.

 

[Johnnu2]

digi-shots, hopefully you got the old/original parts that would have come with the 'conversion' (?) Those parts are worth about $150 in today's world to those of us who regularly put our old model/3-screw guns back to their original, pre-conversion, grandeur. I would guess that someone will be sending you a PM (private message) offering to buy them. If you bought the gun already converted and with the box it came back from Ruger after the conversion, often the orig. parts are under a flap in the top (?) cover of the box. If not, forget this additional info.; you still have a great and desireable gun.

J.

 

[digi-shots]

Thanks for all the info.. I’ve had this for a few years. I’m more of a S&W collector but this Ruger has a great look.

It did cone with a sealed parts bag but was told it might not go with gun. I can take some pics of the parts bag…

The gun doesn’t look refinished… again, I’ll take some close ups and also look on the frame for any R stampings etc.

 

[rugerguy]

Nice gun, and look on the plastic bag, they used to mark the serial number of the gun they were working on at the top of the returned parts bag, only other way to be sure it put them back in and see if it works, timing, etc............
the factory stamping of the letter "R" will be on the bottom of the cylinder frame hidden by the grip frame..........

 

[dobegrant.45]

I have bought used blackhawks that had been converted and the old 3 screw parts were in a bag in the box

 

[Johnnu2]

Like I said, those orig 3-screw parts are wrth $125 - to as high as $150.... FYI, they are classified as LARGE FRAME parts if you decide to sell them

I just used a set that I had in my stash to re-convert a classic .44 Mag Flattop blackhawk.... made it a much more valuable gun once I got the 'safety' crap out of it and brought it back to its original grandeur...

IMHO,
J.

 

[contender]

Pull the cylinder out,, & look at the firing pin recoil shield. That little round spot should be shiny if the gun wasn't reblued. Usually, when doing a reblue,, they leave those parts in place & that recoil shield will be blued as well. It's one of the easiest ways to help determine if a reblue was done.

 

[mr.deerstalker]

The GCA of 1968 was why you now have prefixes. the 3 major events in 1968 where. Martin Luther King shooting, then the Robert Kennedy shooting, but the one that pushed it over the TOP was all the ROITING and SHOOTINGS and KILLINGS at the Democratic Presidential Convention in CHICAGO! (some things don't change) yep...them folks still have not figuring it out. it was NEVER the guns. but it IS the prepatrader. after 50 plus years proves JUST how stupid they are...FNC

 

[jimbo1096]

That's a nice looking OM 41Mag! And a 4 digit. Sure hope you can make it whole again as Mr. Ruger intended.

 

[digi-shots]

There are no numbers on the parts bag… I’ll take some pics and post.

I did take the grip sticks off and do not see any “R” stampings… all other stamps are sharp and overall the gun is super clean maybe 98% or better.

 

[digi-shots]

I just re-read… “….bottom of cylinder frame” ??
Should I take out cylinder out and look for R? Under trigger guard?

 

[rugerguy]

grip frame has to come off and the letter is stamped on the bottom of the cylinder frame, between the two frames, out of sight......

 

[digi-shots]

Here are a few more pics

 

[digi-shots]

And a miscellaneous sealed parts bag

 

[digi-shots]

I’m guessing this might have been refinished based on the blued “recoil” shield circle.

I have someone local that is interested.. what would be a fair price?
Thanks!

(Sorry if this is a duplicate post.. I tried to delete, but it deleted both posts)

 

[Johnnu2]

Personally, I'm not convinced that it has been re-blued. However, if it has been re-finished, AND given that it has been converted to the safety mechanism...BUT given that you have the parts to convert it back to its original configuration, I think that four things are to be considered in 'fair price':
1) if the barrel length is the more desirable 4 5/8"(seems the shorter bbl is more preferred to many)
2) it's a four-digit gun
3) the .41Mag has become a 'cult' (read desirable) caliber amongst aficionados
4) the fact that you can sell it locally and avoid shipping (and depending on the state, FFL fees)
I would venture a very uneducated guess that a 'fair price' would be $600 (with the parts included); I would also guess that you could get at least $800+ with a tiny bit of marketing i.e. selling on our Forum; more on the dreaded auction sites.
Used to be you couldn't give away a .41Mag........... not so anymore!!!
IMHO,
J.

 

[hittman]

I cant guess about the finish …. I’m just not experienced enough to say. This doesn’t look like an obvious reblue.

I’d wonder IF it is re-blued, did someone send it back to Ruger for that and the conversion at the same time??

 

[digi-shots]

Thanks, J

The barrel length is 6 1/2”. Overall the gun looks spotless.. original stampings still look sharp and no obvious pits or deep scratches or nicks.

 

[contender]

"I'd wonder IF it is re-blued, did someone send it back to Ruger for that and the conversion at the same time??"

Ruger has done a bunch of them. And they look darn near perfect. Just look at the older guns that turned "plum" then were sent back, re-blued by Ruger, returned and later turned again. Those are hard to tell they went back w/o the paperwork. I can show you examples of a PROPERLY done job of a reblue that many would swear are not a reblue.

As to value,, looking at the pictures & all, I'd value it as a fair buy or sell at about $600-$650.

 

[hittman]

41 Mag is one of my favorites. Excellent ballistics …. Very fun to own and shoot.

 

[digi-shots]

Thanks for all the reply’s….

The fella that is interested is looking for a .41 with a 6 1/2” barrel length and plans on hunting with it..
I don’t know if he’ll find a nicer one (almost too nice to hunt with, but that’s his call).

 

[rugerguy]

from the looks of the pictures you added since I replied earlier it is obviously been shot BUT any and all the markings of this are covered by blue, NICE job heck if I did not know any better reminds me of Walters work ( my old partner) some of you have seen our work from days gone by.......too nice to try and remove the frame, you may just booger screws of whatever, it is what it is and if to be used for hunting and it is converted,better for in the woods "as is" and yes still worth at least $650 maybe even more throw in the "parts " bag.....good luck and Merry Christmas.....