

One of his favorites was the Stutz Blackhawk. In addition to his interest and affection for firearms, Bill Ruger was an admirer and collector of classic automobiles. In 1955, Rugers first single-action centerfire revolver was introduced with a suggested retail price of 87.50 and was called the Blackhawk. It was decided that the new revolver would be chambered in.357 Magnum, the most versatile choice because it would also fire the.38 Special. Like the Single-Six, it would be patterned after the Colt but with several changes, including an adjustable rear sight and coil springs instead of leaf springs in the action. Thank you The success of the Single-Six encouraged Bill Ruger to take the next step in the development of his line of handguns, a larger centerfire model, with the overall size about the same as the Colt. Related GunDigest Articles Market Trends: Intensive Bidding on Classic Guns at RIA Ruger Gallery: Six Decades of Good Gun Designs Gun Digests Top 10 Gun Collecting Articles Best Starter Kit for Concealed Carry: SW MP 9 SHIELD 394.96 Safariland IWB Holster 43.99 Safariland Duty Belt 88.99 SnagMag Ammo Pouch LOW Disclosure: Some of these links are affiliate links.Ĭaribou Media Group may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

His idea was to make a rimfire six-shooter as a companion to his Standard to be known as the Single-Six.įind Out More About Ruger Firearms Work on the model was under way in 1951 and, by the end of 1953, Sturm, Ruger Co. The Colt Single Action Army had been out of production since 1940, and the company had announced it was no longer going to be made.īill Ruger saw that the time was right to create a new, up-to-date single-action for a waiting market. Western movies were very popular in the late 40s and early 50s, and virtually every cast member was armed with a single-action sixgun. In 1950 Bill Rugers gun company was on its way to becoming a major player in the industry, thanks to the success of his.22 Standard Pistol that had been introduced the previous year. The Flattop models tend to command the highest values on the collectors market. While development of the.44 Magnum was underway, both Ruger and SW strove to introduce the first.44 Magnum revolvers, Ruger with an updated Blackhawk and SW with the.44 Magnum, later known as the Model 29. Ruger Old Model Single Six History Password Your Email.
