So I'm back home and figured out my confusion this morning. There is an error in the RENE Reference for
New Model Super Blackhawks in the
Key where it defines the catalog number nomenclature. In that part, it says:
"WSSK458" - William's Shooter's Supply
blue with 4-5/8" barrel. Note: This was the first run of the model
S458N of which all were allotted to this one Ruger distributor.
But then down in the paragraphs describing the variations, it correctly identifies the WSSK458 as the first run of the
KS458N (K = stainless):
low
KS458N s/n 86-39205 (The first 928 of this model were allotted to Ruger distributor Williams Shooter's Supply and a special box end label with the catalog number "WSSK458" was used – known to sn 86-39897);
Here is a pic of the label on my empty box showing stainless. Also note that it just says "BLACKHAWK" rather than Super Blackhawk, but they are Super Blackhawks:
Another interesting note about the box: I opened it up and saw that it is configured for the reusable zip tie rather than the black plastic trigger guard cone. The only other boxes I have ever seen to use the zip tie are the boxes for the S3840 Buckeye Blackhawk convertible in 38-40 x 10mm. Since the S3840 and the WSSK458 were both 1990 models, I guess that makes some sense.
Oh, I also checked the online serial number lookup and this blue gun was shipped in 1990 as a model 00813 and the RENE Ref confirms the 0813 as S458N.
