Ruger Blackhawk 45LC - The Firearms Forum

holysmoke · 03-18-2010, 10:14 AM

I have a Ruger Blackhawk Bicentennial .45LC with a 7 1/2 inch barrell. While it has some holster wear it is in very good condition. Having bought it used over 30 years ago I don't even remember what I paid for it. During that time I'm guessing that I have not fired more than 100 rounds through it. While I am not interested in selling the gun, I would just like to know what it might be worth. Also, does it being the Bicentennial edition add anything to its value? By the way, it doesn't actually have "Bicentennial" on it--but "Made In The 200th Year of American Liberty" is stamped on top of the barrell. Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to give me.

Alpo · 03-18-2010, 11:30 AM

To collectors, that's known as a "Liberty Gun". That is, in my opinion, a neat thing. My Mark I and my Security Six are Liberty Guns. If there were two identical guns, for the same price, and one was a Liberty Gun, I'd get it. If the Liberty Gun was, maybe, 25 bucks more than the other gun, I probably would still get it. More money than that being charged for the rollmark would make me buy the cheaper gun.

Since it's a Liberty Gun, it's a New Model Blackhawk (New Models have been made since 1973). They aren't worth as much as Old Models. A run-of-the-mill New Model, in good condition, is worth between 3 and 4 hundred. The "200th Year" rollmark might make it worth 25 bucks more. Maybe even 50, to a collector. If it was a convertible (45 Colt and 45 ACP cylinders) it would be worth maybe 50 bucks more. But you didn't mention a second cylinder.

Oneida Steve · 03-18-2010, 06:12 PM

+1 to Alpo. I'd say $350-$400 is a fair price for a "200th Year" Ruger Blackhawk revolver. Whenever I shop for Rugers (Ruger #1 rifles mostly) I always pay extra for "200th Year" guns.

holysmoke · 03-18-2010, 06:13 PM

Thanks Alpo. I appreciate the input. I've learned a lot about my gun. For example, I had no idea they were called Liberty Guns. As I mentioned I have no plans to sell but was interestd in knowing what something like my .45LC is worth. By the way, I also did not know that the .45 was available with the APC cylinder. Is it possible that I could buy an APC cylinder for it--or does it need to be specially fitted to the gun? Thanks again for your help.

Alpo · 03-18-2010, 07:26 PM

Occasionally, 45 ACP cylinders show up for sale. Rugers are, pretty much, all the same, and if you bought one it would, most likely, work fine without special fitting (unlike a Colt). Unless they have changed their policy, however, Ruger will not sell you a second cylinder. I tried to get a 9mm cylinder for my Security Six. They said that, if I sent in the gun, they would fit one to it for me, but they would keep the 357 cylinder. So I still would not have a convertible.

holysmoke · 03-19-2010, 08:02 AM

I am much obliged for the info. Think I will begin to look for an 45 ACP cylinder.

Alpo · 03-19-2010, 08:44 AM

Try here. http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?act=SF&f=14 You can't post a "for sale" without being a member, but I don't think there is any restriction on "want to buy". I've seen, probably, a half dozen Ruger 45 ACP cylinders on there over the last couple of years.

holysmoke · 03-19-2010, 11:37 AM

I'm checking it out.

03-18-2010, 11:30 AM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,771	Re: Ruger Blackhawk 45LC To collectors, that's known as a "Liberty Gun". That is, in my opinion, a neat thing. My Mark I and my Security Six are Liberty Guns. If there were two identical guns, for the same price, and one was a Liberty Gun, I'd get it. If the Liberty Gun was, maybe, 25 bucks more than the other gun, I probably would still get it. More money than that being charged for the rollmark would make me buy the cheaper gun. Since it's a Liberty Gun, it's a New Model Blackhawk (New Models have been made since 1973). They aren't worth as much as Old Models. A run-of-the-mill New Model, in good condition, is worth between 3 and 4 hundred. The "200th Year" rollmark might make it worth 25 bucks more. Maybe even 50, to a collector. If it was a convertible (45 Colt and 45 ACP cylinders) it would be worth maybe 50 bucks more. But you didn't mention a second cylinder. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

03-18-2010, 06:12 PM	#3
Oneida Steve Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 1,029	Re: Ruger Blackhawk 45LC +1 to Alpo. I'd say $350-$400 is a fair price for a "200th Year" Ruger Blackhawk revolver. Whenever I shop for Rugers (Ruger #1 rifles mostly) I always pay extra for "200th Year" guns.

03-18-2010, 06:13 PM	#4
holysmoke Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 6	Re: Ruger Blackhawk 45LC Thanks Alpo. I appreciate the input. I've learned a lot about my gun. For example, I had no idea they were called Liberty Guns. As I mentioned I have no plans to sell but was interestd in knowing what something like my .45LC is worth. By the way, I also did not know that the .45 was available with the APC cylinder. Is it possible that I could buy an APC cylinder for it--or does it need to be specially fitted to the gun? Thanks again for your help.

03-18-2010, 07:26 PM	#5
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,771	Re: Ruger Blackhawk 45LC Occasionally, 45 ACP cylinders show up for sale. Rugers are, pretty much, all the same, and if you bought one it would, most likely, work fine without special fitting (unlike a Colt). Unless they have changed their policy, however, Ruger will not sell you a second cylinder. I tried to get a 9mm cylinder for my Security Six. They said that, if I sent in the gun, they would fit one to it for me, but they would keep the 357 cylinder. So I still would not have a convertible. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

03-19-2010, 08:02 AM	#6
holysmoke Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 6	Re: Ruger Blackhawk 45LC I am much obliged for the info. Think I will begin to look for an 45 ACP cylinder.

03-18-2010, 10:14 AM	#1
holysmoke Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 6	Ruger Blackhawk 45LC I have a Ruger Blackhawk Bicentennial .45LC with a 7 1/2 inch barrell. While it has some holster wear it is in very good condition. Having bought it used over 30 years ago I don't even remember what I paid for it. During that time I'm guessing that I have not fired more than 100 rounds through it. While I am not interested in selling the gun, I would just like to know what it might be worth. Also, does it being the Bicentennial edition add anything to its value? By the way, it doesn't actually have "Bicentennial" on it--but "Made In The 200th Year of American Liberty" is stamped on top of the barrell. Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to give me. -->

03-19-2010, 08:44 AM	#7
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,771	Re: Ruger Blackhawk 45LC Try here. http://sassnet.com/forums/index.php?act=SF&f=14 You can't post a "for sale" without being a member, but I don't think there is any restriction on "want to buy". I've seen, probably, a half dozen Ruger 45 ACP cylinders on there over the last couple of years. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

03-19-2010, 11:37 AM	#8
holysmoke Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 6	Re: Ruger Blackhawk 45LC I'm checking it out.