OM Ruger Blackhawk: shoot or not?

[North Country Gal]

As most of you know, I love Old Model Ruger single actions. I'm always on the prowl for another OM when in gun shops or at gun shows.

I've recently been looking for an OM Blackhawk in 357 to shoot and carry, reason being that the OM Blackhawk 357 were built on the medium frame, not the large frame which Ruger used when switching to the New Model Blackhawk 357s. All the better to find one of these with a 4 5/8" barrel, but that length has always been the most desirable and all the harder to find.

Got lucky over the weekend, though, and found the perfect 4 5/8" OId Model 357 to carry and shoot with this one.




Problem is, it's too perfect. It hasn't even been fired. In fact, the seller claims he never even cocked the gun for fear of getting a turn line on the cylinder. By far, this is the finest condition of any OM Ruger single action I have ever encountered. It's like walking back in time to 1971 and buying a Ruger Blackhawk 357. In this condition, firing even one shot causes a significant drop in value.


Guess I better keep hunting for a used OM 357 Blackhawk to carry and shoot or the temptation to shoot this one will just be too much. Even have the handmade custom holster for it.


The search continues.

[Headhog]

NCG that is one gorgeous Blackhawk. It looks like it just left the factory. I believe the original owner, when he says he never cocked the hammer. That is as pristine as the come. As much as i don't believe in owning a firearm and not shooting it, I do believe I would carefully wrap that up and put it away. Only bring it out on special occasions, and make sure everyone is wearing white cotton gloves.

Congratulations on a wonderful find.

Paul

[BigAl52]

Nice find NCG. I have one that was given to me that was made around 1981 and its in the same barrel length. I havent shot it much as I prefer to shoot my newer 5.5 inch convertible.

[North Country Gal]

Thanks, guys.

For the time being, this one will sit in the safe, unfired. It's just so rare to find an Old Model in such gorgeous condition. I just have to be patient and find a shooter grade OM 357, now.

[Centaur]

That’s quite the find. It would be oh so tempting to put some rounds downrange, but alas, it will probably be a safe queen.

[Hatchdog]

Plus having the original box in such nice condition says to me make an exception this time and put it away. Congrats on a rare find.

[North Country Gal]

As mentioned, I'm now on the hunt for another Old Model 357 or even a New Model flattop or possibly a New Vaquero, because these also use the earlier medium frame. Better yet, a convertible with an extra 9mm cylinder, because 9mm is as cheap to shoot as it gets.

Oh, I do have a Taylor's Uberti/Colt 357, but it has that darn 3 click hammer safety set up which I have grown not to trust or like. Besides, nothing beats a Ruger for durability.

[BigAl52]

Id love to have an old 3 screw unconverted 357 or 41 but Im not payin what there askin for them

[North Country Gal]

I financed this one mostly by selling off some of my little used Contender stuff at the same gun show. Looking at it from an investment point of view, both Contenders and OM Rugers are appreciating in value, but the long term outlook makes the OM Rugers the better risk. Lots more Ruger fans out there than Contender fans.

[Vaquero]

As mentioned, I'm now on the hunt for another Old Model 357 or even a New Model flattop or possibly a New Vaquero, because these also use the earlier medium frame. Better yet, a convertible with an extra 9mm cylinder, because 9mm is as cheap to shoot as it gets.

Oh, I do have a Taylor's Uberti/Colt 357, but it has that darn 3 click hammer safety set up which I have grown not to trust or like. Besides, nothing beats a Ruger for durability.

Nice find on the old model 357, I've had a couple of the 357/9mm convertibles.
The 6.5" one was stolen 30+ years ago and the 4 5/8" one I foolishly traded away 7 years ago.
I did find a nice slightly used New model Vaquero last summer with the 4 5/8" barrel, but it's not a convertible.

RP