Unusual NM Blackhawk 45 Colt

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Onty

Single-Sixer
Joined
Dec 17, 2000
Messages
491
I stumbled upon strange looking NM Blackhawk 45 Colt, 7.5" SS. Please take a look at the top of the frame, rear sight area. At the first moment I thought that this is Flattop model, but now I am not sure.Seems to me that revolver was originally large frame NM Blackhawk, with top of the frame ("ears") milled later on:

957695f5-6c01-4327-9bee-3de58ceaf745.jpg


More pictures here https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=14688714

Contrary to revolver above, NM Blackhawk in 357 Magnum has normal looking large frame:

95b932fd-418b-44d5-87de-c0f821542e64.jpg


More here https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=14738994

I doubt that top revolver left Ruger factory like that.
 
Joined
Dec 11, 2002
Messages
8,966
Location
Ohio , U.S.A.
thats correct, it did not leave the factory like that, nice job and with the stainless guns much easier to do to remove the "ears" ( sight protection) a nice job..looks good with those extended grips, nice touch;)
 

G2

Hunter
Joined
May 8, 2006
Messages
2,489
Location
UT/AZ
Made in 1997, apparently someone wanted a flattop.
Keep in mind the NM Flattop was introduced in 2005.
 

Onty

Single-Sixer
Joined
Dec 17, 2000
Messages
491
IMO those "ears" are also reinforcement of the frame, additional metal to compensate for material removed when slot for rears sight was milled. I am certain that "ears" make frame stronger than flattop configuration. And to be frank, I even prefer look of full size NM BH frame.
 

JStacy

Blackhawk
Joined
May 6, 2016
Messages
503
Location
south Texas
Interesting proof marks on your 357? Was it a test gun for some company? I had a S&W 586 that was a test gun for WW and had like proof marks?
 

Onty

Single-Sixer
Joined
Dec 17, 2000
Messages
491
Revolvers are in Germany, so I am assuming that they were proof tested there, at one of local facilities, before released on market.
 

suren2us

Bearcat
Joined
Jan 16, 2022
Messages
67
Location
Springfield, Illinois
I stumbled upon strange looking NM Blackhawk 45 Colt, 7.5" SS. Please take a look at the top of the frame, rear sight area. At the first moment I thought that this is Flattop model, but now I am not sure.Seems to me that revolver was originally large frame NM Blackhawk, with top of the frame ("ears") milled later on:

957695f5-6c01-4327-9bee-3de58ceaf745.jpg


More pictures here https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=14688714

Contrary to revolver above, NM Blackhawk in 357 Magnum has normal looking large frame:

95b932fd-418b-44d5-87de-c0f821542e64.jpg


More here https://www.egun.de/market/item.php?id=14738994

I doubt that top revolver left Ruger factory like that.
Very nice pieces
 

Muley Gil

Blackhawk
Joined
Oct 27, 2004
Messages
614
Location
Southwest VA USA
The ears were added to support the rear sight when elevated, nothing more. There have no complaints about frame strength among those who shot the flat top Old Model .44 magnum Blackhawks.
 
Joined
Dec 11, 2002
Messages
8,966
Location
Ohio , U.S.A.
look carefully at the top, there is a slight "taper" ( rise) to the top edge it is NOT perfectly flat, starts just in front of the sight cross pin hole, decent job , better than average,BUT still can be seen by the naked eye ( are all eyes naked???):confused:
 

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