TheVREntropy
Bearcat
I just got my hands on an Old Model Blackhawk with a 5 digit SN. I am not sure if it is just in better shape than I expected, or been worked on. What are y'all's thoughts?
Tried to buy shooter grade, now not sure.
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TheVREntropy
Bearcat
Also, what other images from what angles would help?
BamaGreg
Bearcat
The pictures are shadowy due to the sunlight so it's hard to tell. I have a 5-digit like that. Most of the finish on the grip frame is gone but the rest is in good shape. The loading gate on mine has the same plum coloring as yours. My grips have a little more wear on the checkering. Nice revolver.
contender
Ruger Guru
The rollmarkings are clean & crisp. The screws & their holes look good. The slight wear on the loading gate matches the faint turn line, showing some use. (Which, BTW shows that a previous shooter did NOT know how to avoid that dreaded turn line.) And the grip medallions show normal paint loss.
From the pictures, and what I can see,, I'd say it hasn't been messed with.
Shoot it. Take care of it, (making sure you never lower the hammer from the half cock position,) and enjoy it.
I WOULD add a nylon spacer in between the grip panels to prevent overtightening. (Half inch in length, just big enough to fit over the screw. You may have to shave a few thousands off the nylon to allow it to not add too much of a space. I normally shave mine to .495.)
From the pictures, and what I can see,, I'd say it hasn't been messed with.
Shoot it. Take care of it, (making sure you never lower the hammer from the half cock position,) and enjoy it.
I WOULD add a nylon spacer in between the grip panels to prevent overtightening. (Half inch in length, just big enough to fit over the screw. You may have to shave a few thousands off the nylon to allow it to not add too much of a space. I normally shave mine to .495.)
very nice shape, looks like it will be a good companion
Looks good to me. Please confirm that serial number. Can't tell from the pic if those are 3's or 8's or what. 
It's a shooter, but very nice.
Take care of it, and it will remain nice.
Take care of it, and it will remain nice.
beentheredone
Single-Sixer
Extremely nice shooter. If anybody puts it down, laugh in their face. Enjoy!
PriseDeFer
Single-Sixer
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Was there anything that doesn't show that made you think it had been worked on?
BearBiologist
Buckeye
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Depending on the price, it's a beauty. Some wear gives character. I once had an old, beat-up Winchester 1886. Bought here in WA State. Wondered how many elk, griz, and moose it had taken. I also had a beat-up Colt Bisley in 41 LC. Gold washed (mostly worn off), cottage-engraving, carved ivory grips. Lettered to Mexico City in 1901, bought from a collector on the Rez near Flag. What was its story? Stolen from a Hacienda on an Indian raid? Taken from a dead Federale?
contender
Ruger Guru
"Please confirm that serial number. Can't tell from the pic if those are 3's or 8's"
When I enlarge the picture,, I see that they are "8's". When I first looked at the pictures,, I saw the 5 digits, and the "1" & my mind went to "Ross" immediately.
When I enlarge the picture,, I see that they are "8's". When I first looked at the pictures,, I saw the 5 digits, and the "1" & my mind went to "Ross" immediately.
Enlighten me, please, how do you avoid the turn line?
TheVREntropy
Bearcat
It is a 1 and 2 8s.
What is the range for Ross guns? I cannot remember.
What is the range for Ross guns? I cannot remember.
contender
Ruger Guru
The turn line on an Old Model happens when a shooter cocks the hammer to half cock,, then lowers the hammer WITHOUT going to full cock. Always fully cock an OM to avoid the turn line.
The "Ross" guns range from 14684 to 15483.
The "Ross" guns range from 14684 to 15483.
TheVREntropy
Bearcat
Thanks for the info y'all. It's been about 15 years since I hung out here drooling over everyone's guns and making wish lists. This was always on that list.
It has the Micro rear sight, and cupped ejector rod. I have to find my books.
I was afraid it had been rebuked, as the gripframe is a bit scraped, but the rest looks so good. It was shipped from Arizona. I'm please as a pig in poop. If only I could find some .357 ammo, the kids shot almost all of it up in the gp100.
It has the Micro rear sight, and cupped ejector rod. I have to find my books.
I was afraid it had been rebuked, as the gripframe is a bit scraped, but the rest looks so good. It was shipped from Arizona. I'm please as a pig in poop. If only I could find some .357 ammo, the kids shot almost all of it up in the gp100.
18870 should be a Type 3. Likely shipped December 1958 or January 1959. Thanks.
Thanks.Now I have learned something, Thank you!
That's a very nice 5 digit shooter. Taken care of and enjoyed it will be a keeper and story teller. Frame screws look like they may be buggered a bit, probably some club fisted guy with the wrong screwdriver making sure everything is tight. I would mind having one like that a bit.
Hondo44
Hawkeye
I agree with those above, not refinished. And "just the right amount of wear" as they say. Not enough wear so it still looks great, but enough so you won't feel bad about taking it and shooting it!
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