What is this worth please? Blackhawk in .357

[mrstang01]

I think this is an OM Blackhawk in .357, what is it worth please?

http://s1092.photobucket.com/user/mrstang01/media/20170303_143549_zpsdrhrpv5z.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum!
Well, what I see is a 5 digit serial number,,, and a Flattop OM 357 in well used condition. The serial number would help us determine a lot. And the barrel length is important,,,, IF,,,,,, it is a variation that is rare.
If there isn't any rarity due to a variation,,, then it's considered a "shooter grade" gun. I'd place a Flattop 357 in original condition,,, (meaning it has all the original action parts & NOT the safety conversion parts) around $350-$400.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Still has the "skinny" trigger . . . likely not "converted".

Yes, a serial number would sure help. Can't quite make it out.

Nice old gun, though.

:)

 

[mrstang01]

Serial number could be 263xx, I believe. The loading gate is a black color, unlike the rest of the gun. They have it marked as stainless, but it appears to be nickeled. The grip logo appears to be silver on the raised areas and black in the recessed areas. Definitely a working gun. Looks to be a 4/58ths barrel. This is in KY if that makes a difference.

 

[contender]

It's definitely NOT stainless. None made in that era,,,,& not for many years after the Flattops.
If nickeled,,, it's a dull job. I just figured it was a well polished off blued gun.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Yep, just looks like an "experienced" blued gun, probably with a replaced loading gate with a better finish. As a matter of fact, to me it looks like a Premiere replacement gate. It looks a little "longer" than the usual Ruger gate.

:mrgreen:

 

[mrstang01]

It's definitely nickeled

 

[contender]

If nickeled,, and in that condition,,, I'd only consider it a $300 gun at best. UNLESS,,,you could get a factory letter stating it was done by them. (Actually,,, Superior Plating was across the street from Ruger,,, and did some plating of guns for them. BUT,,, the records were damaged in a flood & likely not available. And from what we've seen in the past,,, a nickeled centerfire that would latter is ultra rare.)

 

[SATCOM]

mrstang01,

Why do you say “definitely nickeled”? The cylinder frame and barrel look blue or a grayish blue. The grip frame is a normal and common shade of gray that you often find on older XR3 grip frames. I am only able to see a single picture of it taken of it on LGS counter. Is that the only one you have?

contender,

This 4 5/8” Blackhawk (Flattop) you value less than the other protected sight version posted later?

Thanks,

SATCOM

 

[mrstang01]

Only pic I have, but I have seen the gun, it's nickeled.

 

[NitroAcres]

I see it now...the lighting make it look darker...it would be better if the loading gate was the one that was nickel-ed with the rest of the gun.

It is worth whatever you will pay...however, I bought a Nickel plated .45 /4-5/8 and paid $325 for it a few years ago, the finish wasn't as nice as the one you are looking at.

Around here, 1960 Flat Top, I would have no problem at $425-475, as is.
('60 is a Birthday Edition for Me)

 

[contender]

Yes,, I value this Flattop less due to condition,,, and the fact the plating looks bad. It's not always about the model,,, as condition is important.

 

[SATCOM]

contender and mrstang01,

When I asked about value I had not yet been convinced it had been plated. Now understanding it truly is plated I understand your valuing.

Thanks,

SATCOM