Valuation of a rough BKH41 - Update with photos

[JohnW]

There's an OM Blackhawk in .41 Mag, with 4-5/8" barrel for sale locally. It is unconverted, the action appears tight, and it is not rusted up to the point of pitting. Those are the good things about it. The finish is, well... terrible. Don't know what unspeakable hell this thing has been through, but the cylinder frame has no bluing left, and the cylinder has very little.The barrel has what appears to be varnish on areas where there is some original bluing left, and surface rust elsewhere. The ERH and grip frame appear to have honest, "normal" wear on them. The original grips are rough to the point of possibly not worth trying to save. Overall, it is rough enough that I'm not sure the condition gradings from Fjestad's book or RENE go low enough to represent it.

However, it is an OM 4-5/8" .41 Mag, and those are not common around here, to say the least. What would you value this thing at, considering it would require a complete refinish? Wish I had pictures, but they would just hurt your eyes. If I were to attempt a rescue (resurrection?), what should a quality refinish cost?

 

[flatgate]

I believe it's one of those that I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole UNLESS it had an interesting serial number of some sorts. You'll end up spending more than it's worth, IMHO.

flatgate

 

[Johnnu2]

I've found guns like that; and keep them for 'shooters' only. I clean them up a bit myself, but as long as they are safe to shoot, I can use them and not worry about 'caring' for the finish or grips as I go about my day. I'd offer $100 - $150......I have scored for amounts like that on OM guns. John N.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Although I hate to say it, if you can get something like that cheap enough, it would be a good basis for a conversion to, say, a .44 Special "packin' pistol".

 

[hittman]

I'd love to run across something like that. Carry it, shoot the heck out of it and never fear a scratch or ding. Only way to make it uglier is rubber grips!

You almost NEVER see OM 41's around here either and for a shooter ...... who cares what it looks like?? If it functions I'd sure try to own it.

 

[SteelShooter]

Buy it for $100 and then pull the old model parts out of it and send it into Ruger for the conversion and a reblue for $130.00.

 

[jimbo1096]

I think as long as it is safe to shoot and all the parts are there, you couldn't miss for $150. Then you could save it from being a parts donor, and have a project gun that would be fun to work with. The major caveat would be to have the OM parts there and no pitting. You can do an antique finish, turn it brown or send it off for a reblue... Pick up a used grip or custom built grip. Re do the ERH, send off for custom work. Lots of possibilities there to make it something that is yours.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Since we know the condition, the only real consideration here is the price, as we've all alluded to . . . and your concept of the end product.

Many, many good possibilities.

 

[SATCOM]

John,

Like Ale, I beleive there many good ideas for most any old 3 screw. Sounds like this one is only cosmeticly challenged.

I would be interested in the serial number wether you purchase it or not.

TKS,

SATCOM

 

[JohnW]

Thanks for the input, gentlemen! I believe it is mainly (very) "cosmetically challenged." Your thoughts on the value being <$200 is in line with my thinking as well. However, rumor has it that the price is in line with what a non-cosmetically challenged one might be worth, so I doubt I will be bringing it home. Time will tell, though. Don't think the seller will have buyers lining up at his door.

Satcom, the serial number is 86xx.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Any unconverted, four-digit .41 Old Model 4-5/8" Blackhawk in "decent" shape is worth at least $400 on today's market, rumor mill to the contrary. Don't be misled on either end of the scale. It would have to be pretty nasty to get down to the $150, $200 range because the parts alone are worth more than that.

Unless it had "damage" other than finish shortcomings, a $200 gun is a steal.

JMHO

 

[radicalrod]

Well I am with Ale8 on the pricing.....would be nice to find these on tables for $150 but it sure isn't happening around here.....heck guys are asking $600 for beater Single Sixes.....sure they don't sell but that doesn't seem to stop them :lol: :lol: :lol: I would buy every $150 beater RUGER I find if it isn't converted....worth that or more in parts....hope you get lucky...RR.

 

[contender]

I have to agree with Ale8 & RR myself. Parts alone are worth more than the $100-$200. And, many folks would enjoy a shooter grade OM to play with.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Exactly. In spite of the desire to have pristine examples of these neat old guns, the pricing structure today has driven them out of the reach of many of us, and "parting them out" removes the "shooters" from the market.

Some of us are quite satisfied with "experienced" toys . . . if they survive for us to grab them up at reasonable prices. Doesn't hurt to shoot 'em and they're great for "show and tell" where everbody fondles them.

I'm also glad there are folks who can afford to get the really nice stuff gathered in for safe keeping so I can at least get a glimpse of them on occasion.

:)

 

[GasGuzzler]

$200? I'd give that sight unseen if I knew it worked no matter what it looked like...almost.

 

[JohnW]

Several of you have a good point about the parts value - easily over $200. I didn't mean to imply that was the asking price, though - I'd be showing pictures of my new "project" if that were the case. Asking price is well north of $400, and don't think he will come down that much. For reference, I picked up a very nice (95%+) unconverted BKH34 from a local shop about 3 years ago for $350 + tax. I know prices have gone up in the last 3 years, but still... Haven't given up yet, though.

 

[contender]

At over $400,,, I'd pass as well. It'll sit there for a long time at that. However,, if you go in, politely point out how low the condition is, make a fair offer, & see what happens. If he refuses,, politely thank him & pass. The longer it sits there,, the more likely he'll consider your offer.

 

[JohnW]

Well, it came home with me. I'll post photos later (just warnin' ya! :roll: ) Got to give a good up close inspection for the first time today, and decided it was worth taking a chance. As I said, just aren't any short barrel OM 41's around. Didn't get that $200 steal, but well below the $400+ asking price. So I guess I now have a project of my own!

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Hope you enjoy it. We'll be anticipating the pics.

:)

 

[contender]

Share the pics & show details. You may very well have a jewel there.

 

[JohnW]

Well, here are some photos. So that you know, the seller kept the fine mother-of-toilet seat grips. :wink: Just remember, I warned ya'...

Bore is great, chambers are great, locks up tight, but just a bit more endshake than I'd like. Deal was for $325. Might be an expensive gun after I'm done, but I'm determined to make it nice again.

 

[GasGuzzler]

I like it. Call me weird.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

OK . . . "you're weird".

Me, too!

;) :) ;)

I'd clean her up, get some Tru-Oil on those walnuts, and have a GREAT shooter.

JMHO

 

[Robb Barnes]

I would have jumped all over that thing for anything under $500! Guns like that in that caliber with character like that are tough to come by for sure. This is an OM 41 long barrel I found a few years ago that was in aabout the same shape.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Is the OP's a four-digit starting with 5? I like them both anyway. Look at the prices in the collector car market. Look how much the value of even not as rare or desirable stuff has gone way up when found in worn and mostly original condition.

 

[hittman]

My old Flatgate looks worse than that. It's one of my favorite plinkers. If that .41 Mag were mine ...... I'd shoot the heck out of it just "as is". Nice find!

 

[contender]

Looks like all it needs is a good facelift! Cosmetics are an easy fix. I think you did ok!

 

[JohnW]

Thanks for the words of encouragement, guys. I feel pretty good about it, and am looking forward to getting it back in shape. :)

Gas Guzzler, S/N is 8643. Oh and, you're weird. :lol: Hey, you said to!

Robb, yup, they look about equivalent. Have you worked that one over, or left as is?

Anyone got a rear sight they'd part with? Original has taken a pretty good hit on the upper right corner.

 

[jimbo1096]

Congrats, I believe that would be a deal hard to pass up. Glad you brought it home.

 

[Robb Barnes]

I sent that one to John Gallagher for a major face lift and barrel cutting then I installed a brass grip frame and Cary C Amboyna burl grips and it got donated to help Pastor Jim Taylor and his wife move to Africa to serve as full time missionaries. If I remember correctly it raised almost a $1000 for their move.