Ruger Blackhawk

[Sergeant21299]

I have a OM 3 screw Ruger Blackhawk .357 with a 6 and a half inch barrel and a factory brass frame. In my research, I was able to confirm that it is a factory frame. I was wondering if there are any Ruger experts here who might be able to tell me a little about it and what it is worth. Thanks.

[Flintlock Tom]

Wow! I have never seen, or even heard of a Blackhawk with a brass frame. Is it the whole frame or just the trigger guard and backstrap?
That sounds gorgeous, any photos?

[bwiese]

SUPER Blackhawk in 44Mag had, as an option, a brass "Dragoon" frame w/squared triggerguard. Does it say "MR3-DB" under the grips???

My little 1960s Super Bearcat has a "brass" triggerguard - actually, brass anodized aluminum.

[Flintlock Tom]

There's some good info here:

http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

and here:

http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_SuperBlackhawk3.htm

Apparently it was offered as a factory option in the late sixties and early seventies.

[Sergeant21299]

Ruger Blackhawk

SUPER Blackhawk in 44Mag had, as an option, a brass "Dragoon" frame w/squared triggerguard. Does it say "MR3-DB" under the grips???

My little 1960s Super Bearcat has a "brass" triggerguard - actually, brass anodized aluminum.

It does have the MR3-DB on the grips. I've had it since the late 90's. I'll try and post a pic later. In my reserach, I found that Ruger offered the blackhawk with a brass frame in 4 different calibers and that the total numbers were around 4190 made. I was hoping somebody could provide more information and what it might be worth. Thanks

[Sergeant21299]

Ruger Blackhawk

There's some good info here:

http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

and here:

http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_SuperBlackhawk3.htm

Apparently it was offered as a factory option in the late sixties and early seventies.

Thanks. It helped out quite a bit. One of the sites said that Ruger has a number I can call to find out a shipping date. I'll try and post a pic later. Wife has to do that for me, I have no idea how to.

[scootergmc]

They most certainly did produce OM Blackhawks with brass frames. Value for a 6 1/2" model will run anywhere up to $1200 or so. Some have sold a bit more, but they will include a box, papers, mint, 100%, etc. It really depends on condition to break a grand though. $750 would be a good starting point.

I'd get a letter from Ruger on the gun. You can contact their customer service department through their website. It's been my experience they are excellent about returning emails and phone calls.

Edit: The serial number of your gun should be in the 31-3**** range and there were less than 400 produced in the 6 1/2" barrel length.

[Sergeant21299]

Ruger Blackhawk

Thanks for the heads up. I'm going to give them a call later. You are on the money. Those are the first digits.

[scootergmc]

Then you will definitely need a letter if you ever attempt to sell it as a factory brass grip framed .357 BH. Wish it was mine. Get your wife to post a nice pic.