Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Model: Super Blackhawk

Serial Number: 18408

Year of Manufacture: 1964 / C&R

Caliber: .44 Magnum

Action Type: Side Gate Loaded 6-Shot Single-Action Revolver, 4-Click Hammer.

Barrel Length: 7 1/2"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade fixed to a base at the muzzle. The rear sight is a fully adjustable square notch sight pinned to the top strap.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels with inset Ruger phoenix logo medallions. There is light storage wear and discoloration on the panels. There are no chips or cracks. The right grip has more notable finish loss throughout. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good - Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is a small area of light oxidation on the rear side of the cylinder. There is little to no handling or operational wear. There is dried grease on some of the components. The grip frame has taken to a plum hue. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. No transfer bar has been installed. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. 4-Click hammer.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This revolver comes with a wooden presentation case with red velvet lining in a fitted wood cutout and a Ruger label under the lid.

Our Assessment: The Ruger Super Blackhawk was introduced in 1959 as Ruger's purpose-built heavy-duty .44 Magnum single action, combining the Blackhawk action with a substantial 7 1/2" barrel, steel grip frame, and robust construction suited to the powerful cartridge. This 1964 revolver belongs to the desirable Old Model or "three-screw" production era, retaining the traditional four-click action and original lockwork rather than the transfer-bar system introduced with Ruger's New Model series.

This example is exceptionally well preserved, retaining approximately 99% of its original blue finish with virtually no handling or operational wear, only a small area of oxidation on the cylinder, and the characteristic plum coloration developing on the grip frame. The smooth wood grips remain in Very Good to Excellent condition, while the bright bore has sharp rifling and no erosion, rating 10/10. Most importantly to the Ruger collector, the revolver remains unconverted with its original four-click Old Model action and no transfer bar installed. The accompanying fitted wooden presentation case adds further display appeal. With its confirmed 1964 manufacture, outstanding original condition, pristine bore, and intact three-screw lockwork, this is a particularly attractive early Super Blackhawk for the dedicated Ruger single-action collector.