Ruger 6.5" SBH

[Old Savage]

6.5" Ruger SBH. Three screw, New Model. Who knows what about this variation.

[TDF]

Is it a three screw or is it a New Model. Can't be both.

If I recall the story correctly. The three screw version was created when a Ruger employee thought he was cutting 6.5 inch barrels for 41 magnums, and accidently cut a bunch of 6.5 inch 44 barrels. Ruger being frugal, a new variation was created. They are quite sought after especially if they're the full package.

TDF

[Old Savage]

It is a Three Screw not a New Model.

[Daisyman]

Does it still have its original parts? That's a plus for me. I like the clicks of the old style when you roll the hammer back.
Irv

[mikld]

3 screw with the Ruger factory update?

[Old Savage]

Three screw original.

[Pete44ru]

.

Keep in mind that back when Ruger Old Models were current, there were two "flat-Top" frame sizes - the Blackhawk OM's had a frame a tad bigger than the frames for the .357 revolvers, and the first fluted-cylinder .44 Mag's had this larger frame.

The early .44 Mag revolvers were "Blackhawk's", not Super Blackhawks, and were available with 6-1/2", 7-1/2" & 10" barrels,

Brass gripframes were available for all OM SA revolvers, either factory built as a "brassie", or with a brass gripframe added by an owner (available through the Ruger parts dept).
Any OM BH or SBH with a brass gripframe should be confirmed with Ruger that it was shipped as a brassie - since, if it was, a premium value would be assigned it.

Also, early Ruger's could be had with real Stag grip panels - factory grip panels alone worth $350/up, today.


In 1959 Ruger decided to start to refine/upgrade their CF revolvers, the .44 Mag housed in an even larger frame with a squared triggerguard (now catalogued as a "Super Blackhawk) and a non-fluted cylinder in either a 6-1/2" or a 7-1/2" barrel (the 6-1/2" is considered "rare" & brings a premium over a longer barreled specimen).


In 1963, the lesser CF revolvers (.30 Carbine, .357 Mag, .41 Mag, .45 Colt) were made in the old-size .44 Mag frame, the "flat top" changed to a frame with rear sight protector "wings"; and
The older/smaller frame disappeared until the "New Vaquero" was introduced. (the previous fixed-sight NM Vaquero had a frame identical in size to the other NM frames)

What all that means, Fred, is that a 6-1/2" .44 mag can have any of several different values.

To wit:

* An OM .44 Mag "flat top" Blackhawk (1956-63) is worth a premium over the value of an OM 7-1/2" Super Blackhawk (1959-73).

* Ruger factory Stag's (they can be discerned as such, with an examination of the inside surface details) carry a premium

* A brass gripframe carries a premium

* A Super Blackhawk with the rare/longer gripframe carries a premium over the standard gripframe

* A Super Blackhawk, with it's original white cardboard box, carries a premium

* A Super Blackhawk with the factory Mahogany case carries a premium

* A confirmed Ruger factory manufactured OM is worth yet another premium

A picture's worth a thousand words....

.

[Sixgun]

Fred,
Had to dig waaaaaayyyy deep for this one. Yes, the 6.5 is a real deal gun and as they do not bring the big bucks, they are rarely faked. Sometimes guys cut them down but only for handiness.

On a serious note, this Ruger is no longer with me.....only the picture remains. Some cat offered me (iirc) $750 for it and down the road it went.-------6