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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

Awesome gun and story! When did you get it?

At his estate auction back in March 2015.
Bill

Wow, what a nice piece of gun history to own. Congrats on getting it. Hope to see it in person some day. Mike

Neat piece of history Bill
Thanks for posting.
JAY

Bill, thanks for sharing that great piece of history, beautiful peice of art. Glad to see that paperwork survived.
Bennett

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...

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

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.

Awesome!