I have gotten the itch for a .357 Blackhawk. The 4 1/2 (or whatever they call it in that size) barrel. Folks like my friend Frogman find them with ease, but I am having one heck of a time. Today, I looked at 5 different local shops. Nary a Blackhawk of any flavor, new OR used in stock. Buds Gun Shop has some, and there are a few on Gun Broker, but not at my price point. I would really prefer an older flat top, three screw, but will be happy with a newer one.
I guess I have a project for 2024 now.

Brother, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I had been looking for a Flat Top 3 screw Blackhawk for about 10 years before I found that first one......the second one was just a lucky break!

Good luck with your search!


Frog-----OUT!

A local shop has two in stock now, one is a New Model, the other is as-new 3 screw, but both have 6.5" barrels. I checked out the 3 screw, hoping to buy it myself, but the trigger was no better than the New Model gun, and I didn't think it was worth it. Both were "okay, I guess" triggers, but nothing special at all. I don't feel bad leaving it there.

There's a $600 anniversary model on GB that will be hard to beat for the price of a new model flat top. Old models are there as well, & they are only going up. As a mater of fact, new Rugers are getting pricey, not covid or Biden prices, but their price structuring across the board is up a good bit. No longer cheaper than their competitors, & edging toward higher.

As far as new, Buds is rarely beat on price, so if they are not at your price point you will likely have a long search ahead. Good luck.

Oh, for an OM FT, keep an eye on the Ruger forum.com they turn up there as often as anywhere.

There are quite a few on Armslist. Old model and new model.

I'm working on one as we speak.

CDNN has them in stock.

yes, but not an old flat top three screw

well I won the auction on GB, and at a decent price, below my max bid. Than, dammit, I bid on another in even better shape, and am top bidder on that one. If I win, I'll still be under my budget for toys.

Awesome, Sam!

I told ya Sam......they're contagious! LOL



Frog---OUT!

and here it is, January 9th, and I still have not seen the Blackhawk. Serial screwups at my FFL dealer and the shop in Maryland that I bought it from have frustrated any and all attempts to actually get the revolver from there to here. So much for the $40 second day air shipping. Hopefully it will show up today. Tracking provided by the seller show it was delivered to my FFL last Saturday.

Well when you get it I am sure you will enjoy it. My own is a 4 5/8' old model still operating as originally built. It is not the flatop but is just fine. I like 358429's in about any 38/357 mags but I also enjoy the Ray Thompsom designed 358156 solid and hollow point gas checked bullets. Just about as American as mom, apple pie and the girl next door..mb

For anybody in the SW Idaho area looking for a .357 Flat Top, a guy in Caldwell has a 6 1/2" model for sale, asking $850. Listing has been up for about a week and hasn't sold. Ad says "must be legal to own and Idaho resident" so no idea if the guy will ship it out of state or not.

Listing for Ruger 357 Flat Top

If you have a Sportsman's Warehouse nearby, check their online gun search. The full sized blackhawks, in .357, either barrel length, either finish, show as available to order for in-store pickup. I don't think the flat tops are being produced in any configuration right now so you'd have to be searching through older stock to get one.

my FFL and the seller are still blaming each other for the non delivery of my paid for revolver. Hopefully it will get resolved this week. I am bidding on an even nicer 3 screw Blackhawk now.

all's well that ends well. I got the Blackhawk despite the best efforts of my FFL dealer here and the shipper. Came with awful giant Hogue grips. I replaced those with original style Ruger factory wood grips with the Medallion. Out at my son's place it was giving me 1 1/4 inch groups at 20 yards with Magtech 125 grain factory ammo. About the same with some of my 158 grain JHP hot loads. I am well pleased.

Good deal, congrats!

Awesome. Glad everything worked out, Sam.

Thanks Greg. The coating on the aluminum frame is in sad shape. Just worn off. I am going to have a local shop cerro coat it.

I'm sorry I was late to this thread as I have a Ruger New Blackhawk in 357 with a 4.5" barrel I am about to put up for sale. I have not shot it in 10 yrs so I'm thinking real hard about letting it go down the road.

Congrats!

There are steel grip frames that will add some value to your new gun

https://rwgripframes-com.3dcartstores.com/GRIP-FRAMES_c_7.html

they make some spiffy brass frames as well, but I just can't see spending another $350.

I have one of those 4 5/8” SS Flattops in 357, I’d like to put on a 6 1/2” barrel.
S.

Not sure what a SS Flattop is but I believe I have a 6 1/2" 357 barrel off of an Old Model.