Just got my Blackhawk back.

[blackamos]

I sold a three screw Ruger Blackhawk 357 years ago, my buddy has not used it it years and sold it back to me for the price he paid plus a case of beer. The grips had a ding on the right side when I sold it to him and now I want to replace them but don't know if it is new or old model.
The serial number is 66XXX. everything I look at online has a flattop, mine doesn't look like a flattop. Any help with style of grip (new or old) and aging the revolver will be much appreciated.

 

[Bob Wright]

Remove the grips and look at the grip frame in the "web" part near the butt. There you will see either "XR-3" or " XR-3RED" printed. This is the grip frame style. The old Flat Tops have the XR-3, while the later guns, with the ribs alongside the rear sight, are XR-3RED.

Bob Wright

 

[blackamos]

Thanks Bob, big XR3-RED printed on the inside.

 

[Bob Wright]

Without researching your serial number, these guns were first made around 1963, and discontinued when the New Models were introduced in 1973, if thats any help.

Bob Wright

 

[blackamos]

Found one on gunbroker with a 67,xxx number and he says he bought it new in 1965, so I'm guessing 1964 or 1965. That is close enough for me. I don't plan on selling it again. Bob thanks again for your help.

 

[KMAX]

'65

Looking at the Ruger website and if 66 is the beginnning of a 5 digit serial number, then your BH is a 1965 model. The SNs of 1965 357 BH begin with 60373 and end with 73550. That is according to Ruger's website. All this assuming I didn't misunderstand something.

 

[blackamos]

Thanks KMAX.. I ended up buying it back for $150 plus $45 for a nice case of beer. All and all In think I did okay

 

[KMAX]

Sounds like a heck of a good deal to me. Enjoy it.

 

[ThomasT]

You got a really good deal but I gotta ask, what kind of beer cost $45 a case?

 

[blackamos]

Bells two hearted ale, A great Michigan River and ale.

 

[ThomasT]

Blackamos I have never heard of that one. You still got a heck of a deal.

I traded a 12 pack of Keystone for an old Black & Decker impact driver in about 1985. The beer was $7 a 12 pack. About all that old tool was worth. (same for the beer) I still have it. I used it about 4 days ago to remove the blades on my riding lawnmower so I could sharpen them. Best $7 I ever spent.

 

[blackamos]

The best part of the deal was that I drank 6 of them on my visit.

 

[C5rider]

ended up buying it back for $150 plus $45 for a nice case of beer.

Yeah, and you'll have that blackhawk LONG after he's through with those beers!