First Year of Stainless Steel Super Blackhawk?

[RVTECH]

Anyone know conclusively when the first SS SBHs were introduced?

Trying to help a guy on another forum who bought what he thought was a SS SBH but it looks like a blued version that someone had removed the bluing.

His Ser # shows it to be between '77 & '78 and another site had a report of the first SS ones being made in 1982.

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[Tlock]

Might be a good question for @OldBroad44

 

[solv3nt]

Might be a good question for @OldBroad44

I think she's into the doubles, not the singles.

 

[jbett98]

My money is on 1982.

 

[oremike]

If he's got the original box it will say stainless or blued on it, at least all 5 of mine are so noted. Just make sure the serial numbers are the same.
3rd post here says 1974

Blackhawk .357 history

www.rugerforum.net

 

[drstrangelove]

If he's got the original box it will say stainless or blued on it, at least all 5 of mine are so noted. Just make sure the serial numbers are the same.
3rd post here says 1974

Blackhawk .357 history

www.rugerforum.net

That is correct for BH. The SBH was 1982.

 

[OldBroad44]

I think she's into the doubles, not the singles.

Right you are, @solv3nt . I'm strictly a DA revolver gal. However, this Wikipedia article

Ruger Blackhawk - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

has an excellent reference section that includes 4 articles on Ruger serial number history. These only give you approximations, however, because Ruger does not necessarily use serial numbers sequentially. There can be blocks out of order. I checked out one of the serial number articles and found this:

"For details on your specific serial number you may contact our Service Department: 336-949-5200

For serial numbers manufactured prior to our electronic records, or for an official letter confirming the details on your firearm please download and mail in the Request for Letter of Authenticity form."