Make: Sturm, Ruger and CO.
Model: New Model Blackhawk 50th Year Anniversary 1955-2005 #05201
Serial Number: 520-03180
Year of Manufacture: 2005 / Modern
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single Action, 6 Shot Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade integral to a base, fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch pinned to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip are two piece imitation ivory panels. There are no notable signs of wear on the grips. There are no chips and cracks. Overall the grips rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with special gold-enhanced 50th Anniversary rollmark on top of the barrel.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is little to no handling or operational wear. There is a very faint turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent 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 & Accessories: This revolver comes with its unique red high impact case, with a special "50 year" lens label, factory spent casing envelope with data label, owner's manual, and gun lock.
Our Assessment: Ruger introduced the original .357 Magnum Blackhawk in 1955, helping revive the traditional single-action revolver at a time when postwar interest in the American West was rapidly expanding. For the Blackhawk's 50th anniversary in 2005, Ruger returned to the appearance and proportions of the early revolver with a special New Model commemorative produced for that year. The anniversary model used the trim original-size flat-top frame, a smaller pre-1962-style XR-3 grip frame, a Micro-style click-adjustable rear sight, 4 5/8" barrel, and a special gold-colored anniversary rollmark. It retained the modern New Model transfer-bar ignition system while deliberately recalling the appearance of the 1955 Flat-Top. Ruger identifies the 520-prefix serial range as the 50th Anniversary model, with 520-00001 beginning in 2005, making serial number 520-03180 consistent with 2005 production.
This revolver remains in Excellent condition, retaining about 99% of its original blued finish with little handling or operational wear and only a very faint cylinder turn line. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 10/10, while the action functions correctly. It is accompanied by the distinctive red 50th Anniversary case, factory-fired cartridge envelope, owner's manual, and gun lock. The fitted imitation ivory stocks give the revolver a handsome period-inspired appearance, though they are not the original factory stocks for this commemorative. With its one-year commemorative production, historically inspired Flat-Top configuration, outstanding condition, and factory accessories, this is a particularly attractive example of Ruger's tribute to the revolver that launched its centerfire single-action legacy.
