Ruger Blackhawk Old Model .357 Magnum Revolver – 1969 Three-Screw with Transfer-Bar Conversion, 6.5" Barrel
Made in 1969, this first-year prefix 30-series Ruger Blackhawk represents the classic Old Model three-screw design updated at the factory with a transfer-bar safety system. It retains the desirable pre-warning barrel, high-polish blued finish, and smooth walnut grip panels capped by Ruger eagle medallions. Collectors value this transitional example for its blend of early production features and later safety upgrade, while shooters appreciate its robust construction and crisp single-action trigger.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling. This firearm is in solid shape with visible scratches and blemishes present.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean and shiny with minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
What’s Included
- Ruger Blackhawk Old Model .357 Magnum revolver
The 6.5-inch barrel offers a balanced sight radius, helped by a serrated ramp front sight and a Micro-style adjustable rear sight for precise elevation and windage control.
Factory conversion to Ruger’s transfer-bar and hammer-block safety adds the ability to carry six rounds safely without altering the revolver’s crisp single-action feel.
The high-polish blued steel frame, cylinder, and barrel showcase Ruger’s durable finish of the era, while an alloy grip frame keeps overall weight manageable for extended range sessions.
Serial prefix 30-xxxx marks this revolver as a first-year prefix production piece, placing it at an interesting point in Ruger’s design lineage that later influenced other single-action revolvers.