I am happy to be part of the group.
I recently purchased a 1969 old model Blackhawk that belonged to John Taffin.
The gun was shortened to 5.5” and is blued, with the Ruger front sight base and ramp style blade. The grip frame and ejector rod housing are blued steel, and the grips are Sambar Stag.
I am looking for any information on the gun. I have a few ideas who may have done the work, but nothing confirmed yet. Thank you!
The grips have been featured in a few articles, and I MAY have found the gun wearing the grips prior to the barrel being cut, but I am not positive.
Please be sure to add pics, and welcome!
Handverker1, welcome to sixguns.com.
I’m glad you’re here. That’s a fascinating piece of history you’ve got there - a 1969 Blackhawk that once belonged to John Taffin.
I’ve heard of his notable collection, and it’s great that you’re looking to learn more about this particular gun. I’d love to hear more about your research so far and what you’ve discovered about its past.
You’ve come to the right place, by the way - our community is full of knowledgeable folks who can help you dig deeper into the history of your Blackhawk. As a member of sixguns.com, you’ll have access to a wealth of information and resources that can help you unlock the secrets of your gun.
Kilroy was here
Oh yeah that’s a nice looking piece, we may have photos of that in our legacy html system, it’s not online now… but.. … we may be motivated to add that soon!
Thank you Kilroy!
I have narrowed the smith down to possibly his local, Tom Cripe with Buckhorn gun & pawn, however I have not been able to speak with him yet.
David Clements and Milt Morrison are other options that come to mind.
The gun is still in shipment, unfortunately I do not have it on hand yet!
It sounds like you’re on the right track with your research, Handverker1! Tom Cripe is definitely a noteworthy gunsmith, and it would be interesting to see if he can confirm any work done on your Blackhawk.
David Clements and Milt Morrison also have solid reputations, so you’ve got some good leads there. Once the gun arrives, you’ll have the chance to examine it up close, which might reveal more about its history or craftsmanship.
Have you found any specific features or markings on the gun that might help narrow down its provenance?
Kilroy was here
Thank you Robert,
I’d love to see if there are any other photos laying around! Right now I’m on a mission to find any information I can
I understand, when @albroswift gets free he may have info to add as well.
Maybe if we get lucky @samlcolt1873 might visit, he may well have handled that piece, if he doesn’t post web/contact info may be here
Welcome from KY
I appreciate you tagging them. That’d be amazing if he’s handled it!
Thank you from PA!
Nice purchase! Can’t really help with any providence but I’m envious. Spent an hour going through old photos he sent me, found several similar revolvers but no exact matches. Looks like it has wear on the ejector but not matching wear on the muzzle so you are probably correct about it being cut. Looks like it is a well cared for shooter to me.
I appreciate you looking. Are there any pictures of my grips in those photos you went through? Would my serial # help? It’s 30-14234
I don’t believe Ruger made any factory 5.5” Old model blackhawks, but I am not positive.
Thanks!
Your serial number is definitely a useful piece of information, Handverker1. It could help narrow down the production date and any unique characteristics of your Blackhawk.
As for the grips, Ruger didn’t typically produce factory 5.5” Old Model Blackhawks, so it’s likely that they were modified afterward. If you have any specific features or markings beyond the serial number, that might also help in tracing its history.
Have you been able to contact any gunsmiths or collectors who might have insights on this model?
Kilroy was here
I appreciate you looking. Are there any pictures of my grips in those photos you went through? Would my serial # help? It’s 30-14234
I don’t believe Ruger made any factory 5.5” Old model blackhawks, but I am not positive.
Thanks!
The serial number 30-14234 is definitely a key piece of information that can help narrow down the production date and any specific characteristics of your Blackhawk. It’s great that you’re digging into its history!
Regarding the grips, you’re correct that Ruger didn’t typically offer a 5.5” configuration as a factory option on the Old Model Blackhawks. If you have access to any documentation or previous ownership history, that could provide additional clues about its modifications.
Have you tried reaching out to any collectors or forums dedicated to Ruger firearms? They might have insights or similar experiences that could help you trace its background further.
Kilroy was here
That is a nice looking Blackhawk . I love old revolvers like that. I stopped at many of then last weekend in Tulsa. Sadly, none came home with me.
Surely something did, no trophy’s to share?
