ELMER KEITH'S SPECIAL .44 FLATTOP

Includes all Pre-1973 Old model Single-Sixes, Blackhawks,
Super Blackhawks, Bearcats, Super Bearcats, Hawkeye
and Black Powder Old Army.
flattop44
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ELMER KEITH'S SPECIAL .44 FLATTOP

Post by flattop44 »

Here are a couple of pics of Elmer Keith's .44 Flattop, #2331, that Bill Ruger had made special for him with a 4-5/8" barrel. It is only one of two known .44 FTs in that barrel length that were made by the factory at the direction of WBR. It has a Ruger brass grip frame with horn grips that I think Elmer put on himself to better handle the hot .44 Magnum cartridges of the day. He trimmed the top of the front sight a tad to adjust to the point of aim as stated in some of his articles. Note the pics of Elmer's handwritten gun inventory from April 1972 at the end of the pics which lists this Blackhawk with his value of $100 which is the same as his two other Ruger .22s on the sheet. WOW, wish that what I could have gotten it for that. However the main thing is that I did get it!! :)
FT44/aka Bill
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Marksman
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Re: ELMER KEITH'S SPECIAL .44 FLATTOP

Post by Marksman »

Awesome gun and story! When did you get it?
flattop44
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Re: ELMER KEITH'S SPECIAL .44 FLATTOP

Post by flattop44 »

At his estate auction back in March 2015.
Bill
Marksman
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Re: ELMER KEITH'S SPECIAL .44 FLATTOP

Post by Marksman »

Wow, what a nice piece of gun history to own. Congrats on getting it. Hope to see it in person some day. Mike
JAYDAWG
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Re: ELMER KEITH'S SPECIAL .44 FLATTOP

Post by JAYDAWG »

Neat piece of history Bill :D
Thanks for posting.
JAY
I do not "own" these guns, I am but the next caretaker
67stingray
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Re: ELMER KEITH'S SPECIAL .44 FLATTOP

Post by 67stingray »

Bill, thanks for sharing that great piece of history, beautiful peice of art. Glad to see that paperwork survived.
Bennett
Any day without learning is a day of backing up.
Single-six
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Joined: Sat Feb 22, 2020 6:03 pm

Re: ELMER KEITH'S SPECIAL .44 FLATTOP

Post by Single-six »

Bill, thats a very nice and desirable flat top. As you know that configuration is a favorite of mine so much so that I've had mine for nearly 25 years now with your help with the brass grip frame. Would you give me first "dibbs" on yours if you ever decide that you want trade "up" for something a little nicer?😊....Thanks for showing it....Donald...
flattop44
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Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 2:31 pm
Location: Alabama

Re: ELMER KEITH'S SPECIAL .44 FLATTOP

Post by flattop44 »

Donald, I know you like that barrel length and yours with the brass frame is sure a fine one. I will sure put your name on the list, but afraid there are a couple ahead of you.
Bill
JussBad
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Re: ELMER KEITH'S SPECIAL .44 FLATTOP

Post by JussBad »

So Bill, I have to ask - does it still shoot to poi? What load data do you use when you go out and shoot this one? ;)
Very nice, and I really like the grips.
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gunman42782
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Re: ELMER KEITH'S SPECIAL .44 FLATTOP

Post by gunman42782 »

Awesome! :D
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