Need some help here, im trying to find some info on a rifle ive got. its a Ruger #3 in 30-40 krag which isnt that uncommon but it is a 200th anniversary model which i cant find much information on. i dont plan to get rid of it but i would like to know if it has any extra collectors value. the reason im asking is because the guy i bought it from called me today and told me a local shop is going to be getting a 200th anniversary 357 blackhwk in and i figured it be a nice addition to my Krag and im trying to figure out if its going to be more expensive than any regular used blackhawk

The 50th Blackhawk draws a bit of a premium because it is a one year model on the old "flat top" style frame with the original style grip frame made of steel as opposed to aluminum for the standard BH They go for about $450 typically, which is a bit steep for a Blackhawk. They do make for a nice revolver, and if you don't already have a .357 the handling qualities make it pretty hard to pass up. If you want one you should probably secure it, the supply will be thinning and the gouging will begin.

Need some help here, im trying to find some info on a rifle ive got. its a Ruger #3 in 30-40 krag which isnt that uncommon but it is a 200th anniversary model which i cant find much information on. i dont plan to get rid of it but i would like to know if it has any extra collectors value. the reason im asking is because the guy i bought it from called me today and told me a local shop is going to be getting a 200th anniversary 357 blackhwk in and i figured it be a nice addition to my Krag and im trying to figure out if its going to be more expensive than any regular used blackhawk


Good question....and unfortunately I've no real clue. Know that all 1976 productionw as marked with the 200th year roll stamp, and I supect there must be some 200th year colloectors...so proably there are some buyers looking specificly for those guns and willing to pay a premium, I just have't met any.

As I recall every firearm Ruger made in 1976 was marked 200th anniversary. I don't know if they are any premium because of that but the older they get i would think they will go up in price because of that almost thirty years old now, what sort of shape is it in?

Willb e a bit of a premium for the #3 in 30-40 in some circles...is one of the nicest cast bullet calibers and many people (myself included) just like the #3 action better than the #1...mostly becasue of the "American" lever (the #1's lever is a bit too British for my tastes).

Good rifle for increased value...even if ruger decided to make #3's again, doubt they'd make the 30-40.

The Number 3 is a bit of a mystery for value. Since they were the econo grade rifle of the Ruger fleet.

I like them, but its because you can do so much with the action. Any caliber that you can fit in a number one is workable in a number 3. Since the number 3 is cheaper than the number 1 you can do a little more with it, for the same money and the original barrels were the correct caliber, if not twist , to wildcat. Example: a .22 hornet can be rechambered to almost any .22 centerfire cartridge including the .22/ 375 H&H mag. if you would want such a thing. Ruger seemed to pick popular (.22, .308, .375, .458) calibers, but cartridges that were easily rechambered to more powerful cartridges. If this was intentional it is an interesting marketing scheme.
By the way, if you really want to spruce one up you can replace the factory wood with wood for a number 1 from a custom supplier. You may have to bend the handle a bit or recontour the grip, but they can be made very appealing.

My guess is that there is someone who may be looking for a specific caliber in the Number 3, but only to round out a colection. Most of the ones I've seen were shooters pure and simple. I saw one that was turned into a truely fine rifle, excellent wood, octagon barrel, fancy checkering
and in .22 Savage High Power all for 500 bucks, I didn't have the cash at the time or I'd own it. I've seen some that were beat up going for that and sometimes for 200 bucks or less for reasonable examples.

Sorry if this wasn't much help,but I'm usually looking for bargains on these, and the market seems to be hit or miss here.

regards,
Gene

I would be proud to own it as it is. I like the rifle, the 30-40, and the 1976 barrel. It would be a "keeper" for me.
Cheezywan

Hi All, New to this site....I recently purchased a #3 in .375 Win in 95% what do you tink it is worth...Paid $450 . Kind into the Big bore calibers and rifles chambered for them. Have a 356 BB Win as well. Never let either of them go.

dbergero64,
that is what I paid for my #3 in .22 Hornet so that is what they must be worth in good condition. Someone else may say they are worth more or less than that, but you never know until you sell, what it's true worth is.

Id like to get my hands on one in 30-40. It's a great caliber so I am keeping my eyes open. The one I have may be destined for a new barrel. Nothing wrong with the one it has, Im just thinking that it would make a very pretty full length stocked 7x57 or 30-06. I dunno which. I can't make up my mind yet. I think I would restock it in walnut, straight wristed like it is now but with a fore end like the Number 1 RSI.

Something for me to think about while fishing this summer I guess. :)

MM, I once had a #3 in 45-70.........it kicked like a mule in that carbine. I bought it with a pentax 2.5 scope on it for the sum of $430....traded to a friend and wish I never did....He traded it in on a 1895 marlin in 45-70 that he was never happy with.

Dbergero

Around the northwestern States gun/knife shows, generally tend to see #3's with asking prices from $400-550, depending on condition....if this is of some assistance here?

The #3 is a fine iron. In 1982, had two #3's in .223 rebored/rechamberd for .257 Roberts. Gave one to friend in the mountains of Wyoming: he's harevested all of his annual deer, elk, antelope ever since then, it's his hunting rifle for everything, aside from a .22 Marlin Model 39.

I took my .257 Rbts back to Alaska, and for many years usied it for caribou. Worked fine. But then a 'boo will just about keel over from a hang nail!

Also, I've a #3 in .30-40, a 1976 edition. Grand iron that one is. I'd recently came up with a rechambered #3 .22 Horent, having been punched out to .22-284. No interest in that chambering, so having a spare .223 #3 barrel bored out to .30 cal and chambered to .308 WCF. Looking forward to it's completion I am.

How about a #3 restocked like a Browning or Win Hi Wall with an 26"octagon barrel.........now wouldn't that make for a slick rifle configuration. If I ever come across a beater, this is what I would have done to it.

Dbergero64

Buddy of mine has a #3 in 45-70. I don't think they were really meant for heavy loads being made so LIGHT! He has a 400 grain handload moving at 1850 fps that is right nasty off the bench. It needs a sandbag strapped to it. He hasn't tried his heavier loads after how he got thumped by those. Im curious what they would do over the chrono.

picked up my blackhawk today, makes a great addition to the krag with both having the 200th anniversary roll stamp on it going to shoot it tomorrow in about 90% condition because of holster wear at the tip of the barrel hoprfully it shoots as good as it looks

Hello All,
I collect 200th year or Liberty Model Rugers. I have 20 of them. In 1976 they only made the #3 in three calibers. 45-70 Govt., 30-40 Krag, and 22 Hornet. I have all three.
I shot an 11 point buck in the mountains of Virginia with my 45-70. Dropped it with one shot.
My 30-40 Krag has had less than 1 box of shells put thru it.
My 22 Hornet is a blast to shoot. Lots of fun.
I am looking for 2 Super Blackhawks. One in 30 cal. Carbine and one in 45 APC/45 Long Colt.
Yes the Liberty models do bring a little more in price but only because the serial number range is documented as to what ones were produced that year. Also Mr. Bill Ruger himself supervised the distruction of the dies so that no counterfiet guns could be made after 12/30/76.
If anyone has any ones they are looking to sell email me at robot53@hotmail.com.
Thanks.