Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Model: Blackhawk
Serial Number: 1298
Year of Manufacture: 1968
Caliber: .30 Carbine
Action Type: Side Gate Loaded 6-Shot Single-Action Revolver with Ejector Rod.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked "1298". The left side of the frame "RUGER BLACKHAWK .30 CARBINE CAL.". The side of the barrel is marked with the Ruger Southport address.
Barrel Length: 7.5"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a black serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a black square-notch leaf in a base pinned to the top strap and is adjustable for elevation and windage.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are a smooth walnut set with Ruger phoenix medallions. The medallions have lost some of their black paint. There are a few scratches and handling marks, most on the right panel. Overall these grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Black Alloy
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some light stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some light scratches, handling marks and operational wear. Most notable is a scratch on the right of the topstrap at the front of the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: Included is a two-piece black and yellow Ruger box with model-matching label, serial number hand-written on one end in white pencil, manual, wax paper, and 3-16-68 dated sales receipt from Bell's Gun and Sport Shop in Franklin Park, IL.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Old Model Blackhawk chambered in .30 Carbine is one of the more distinctive variants of Ruger's early single action revolver line. Introduced in 1986, these revolvers were built on Ruger's robust Blackhawk frame and chambered for the high velocity .30 Carbine cartridge originally developed for the M1 Carbine service rifle. This example, manufactured in the first year of production, represents the "Old Model" configuration with the traditional four click hammer system and without Ruger's later transfer bar safety. The revolver retains approximately 95 percent of its original blued finish with light scratches, handling marks, and minor operational wear present. Overall it presents in Very Good-plus condition with clear markings and sharp hardware.
Chambered in .30 Carbine, the revolver provides a unique shooting experience combining the classic single action platform with a high velocity rifle cartridge. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with the classic four click hammer operation, and the cylinder shows minimal side to side movement while in lockup. The revolver is accompanied by its original box and even its original sales receipt. This Old Model Ruger Blackhawk stands as an interesting C&R era example of Ruger's early single action revolver production chambered for the unique .30 Carbine cartridge. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
