Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co., Customized by Gary Reeder
Model: New Model Super Blackhawk, Outlaw
Serial Number: 89-25431
Year of Manufacture: 2023 (https://ruger.com/dataProcess/serialHistory/)
Caliber: .44 Magnum
Action Type: Single Action Side Loading Gate Revolver
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number. The left of the barrel is marked "Gary Reeder / Outlaw" in gold, the left of the frame is marked "44 MAGNUM" in papyrus font. The front face of the cylinder is hand-scribed "431", the rear face is marked "S". The butt is marked "GARY REEDER / FLAGSTAFF, AZ". There is floral scroll engraving on the frame, cylinder, and barrel with gold bands at the rear of the barrel and cylinder.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a red fiber-optic beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "V"-notch adjustable for windage and elevation in the original Ruger base pinned to the rear of the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece custom Sorrel Corian panels on a custom round-butt grip frame. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Black Chromex, Case Color, & Gold
Finish Originality: Original to customization.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder has faint turn-wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition as customized.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, the cylinder locks up with minor play on each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Ruger Blackhawk platform has long been praised as one of the strongest actions ever made for a single-action revolver. For this reason, Blackhawk revolvers and their big brother, the Super Blackhawk, have been a go-to for recoil junkies and handgun hunters who want a little more power. They have also been the preferred platform for many custom-built big-bore revolvers.
This Super Blackhawk has been extensively customized by renowned gunsmith Gary Reeder and, while it will certainly make for a functional .44 Magnum revolver, it’s also a stunningly beautiful piece, really an “objet d’art” and a visual cornucopia displaying the “gunmaker’s canvas”. The cylinder and barrel have a deep, high-polished black chromex finish set off with gold bands at each rear. The frame and wide-spur hammer have been brilliantly case colored. The grips have been replaced with an attractive pair of custom Sorrel Corian panels that contrast nicely with the rich, vibrant case color. The frame and barrel carry understated floral scroll engraving, while the cylinder bears exotic “sunburst” designs with floral scrolls as the rays. The backstrap has been given a round-butt profile which many find more comfortable for carry and firing. The square-back trigger guard has been replaced with a rounded guard, preventing it from biting under recoil. This is the "Outlaw" from Gary Reeder, and this gorgeous custom revolver would be a welcome addition to any collection.
Pistol