Ruger Forum

Mayor Al · July 1st, 2012, 09:34 AM

Yesterday among a bunch of guns I bought at an auction in Indy, was this Ruger Blackhawk 44 magnum. 4.5" barrel, Chromed and pearl grips with an image of John Wayne on each grip. In very good shape, has been fired and will be again soon. Serial # 29725. Anyone have a production date or any info that might help me trace the history of this unique gun?

M'BOGO · July 1st, 2012, 10:06 AM

The history link on the Ruger site is Ruger Instruction Manuals & Product History .

It is documented that Ruger did some chrome early S/A's, but they weren't a catalog item.

For a fact, there were never any stainless, three screw Blackhawks made by Ruger.

M'BOGO · July 1st, 2012, 11:07 AM

Forgot the original intent, beautiful flattop! Hope it shoots as good as it looks!

Salmoneye · July 1st, 2012, 11:56 AM

Looks like your gun is 1962...

Those grips do not fit well...

Other than them, I like it...

RAYMOND · July 1st, 2012, 01:09 PM

Nice

Mayor Al · July 1st, 2012, 01:17 PM

Yeah, I am sure the grips are an aftermarket item, but I don't know how to tell if the gun is factory chromed or a replate job. Obviously a factory chrome from 1962 would be 'desireable'. It is a pretty neat job...no sloppy points or joints.

The revolver sold at auction for $325. Only one person bid against me and quit after his first bid. I also got a Hawes Single Action 44 magnum w/7.5" barrel and Blued frame for less than $200. It was a good day at the auction for me.

Brandi · July 1st, 2012, 01:25 PM

Very nice gun...I'm jealous. I'm looking to add a 44 mag to my arsenal but i can't even get past s/a or d/a lol. It's gonna take awhile....

ratgunner · July 1st, 2012, 02:57 PM

Wow, that is a purdy pistola.

vonfatman · July 3rd, 2012, 07:38 PM

Mayor Al,
Nice auction indeed. You did very well! If your gun letters like it looks...you're at a whole other kind of "wow mom wow".

I'd love to capture a Hawes like the gun you purchased....eyes open!

Care to show us a pic of the Hawes??

Bob

Mayor Al · July 5th, 2012, 09:43 AM

Bob
I'll post a couple of the Hawes 44 Mag and the belt/holster that came with it. I have never seen a Western (or any) holster rig made with the cowhide hair facing OUT and still on the leather. Photos coming this evening.
AL

bwinters · July 5th, 2012, 10:10 AM

Very nice looking pistol. it reminds me of the nickel colts so popular in mexico and the southwest border ares.

Mayor Al · July 5th, 2012, 10:12 AM

OK Here is the Hawes 44 Mag. with it's cowhide holster and belt (that doesn't come close to fitting me.)

Then here are the two side views. I made an error in my earlier post, saying this had a case-hardened frame, but it does not. It is a Blue Frame ...and in good shape too.

shootist · July 5th, 2012, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mayor Al

Bob
I'll post a couple of the Hawes 44 Mag and the belt/holster that came with it. I have never seen a Western (or any) holster rig made with the cowhide hair facing OUT and still on the leather. Photos coming this evening.
AL

I have a little Hawes 22 Revolvers I bought about 1977 their not bad guns, mine is really fancy blued barrel, brass grip frame, with pearl grips, and chrome reciever, looks and feels just like a colt pease maker even has the 3 click hammer.

Mayor Al · July 5th, 2012, 10:19 AM

Thanks to all for the feedback ! I am having an appraisal done buy the Gunbroker Service. I'll share any info of merit that I get on the history of the Blackhawk.