Flat Top With XR3-RED Grip Frame

Includes all Pre-1973 Old model Single-Sixes, Blackhawks,
Super Blackhawks, Bearcats, Super Bearcats, Hawkeye
and Black Powder Old Army.
O M CRAZY
Posts: 836
Joined: Fri May 23, 2014 7:25 am

Flat Top With XR3-RED Grip Frame

Post by O M CRAZY »

Here's a little something I picked up at the Denver show when it walked up to my table. It's a 6 &1/2" .44mag Flat Top, Model BKH46, with an XR3-RED grip frame, s/n 285XX.

It was shipped in July of 1962 at the end of the Flat Top production. When Ruger ran out of the XR3 grip frames they substituted the newly designed XR3-RED grip frame. This was done on a very small quantity of .357mag. and .44mag. Flat Tops.

According to the Red Eagle News Exchange, RENE. there are only 15 .44mag. Flat Tops with XR3-RED grip frames know to exist today.

This is number 16! :D

O M CRAZY
Attachments
BKH46 sn 28515 with XR3-RED (4).JPG
BKH46 sn 28515 with XR3-RED (2).JPG
BKH46 sn 28515 with XR3-RED (1).JPG
flattop44
Posts: 2351
Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 2:31 pm
Location: Alabama

Re: Flat Top With XR3-RED Grip Frame

Post by flattop44 »

That is a very rare Flattop, happy for you. The "graying" grip frame and ship date validate its configuration correctness as shipped from the factory.

Displaying your other .44 Flattops in Denver paid off in more ways than one!

Bill
User avatar
Rugerologist
Posts: 1016
Joined: Sat Nov 28, 2015 6:31 pm
Location: Arkansas

Re: Flat Top With XR3-RED Grip Frame

Post by Rugerologist »

Well, that's a heck of a find and beautiful pistol. The odds are greatly against you coming across something that rare. Maybe you should pick #16 and use the rest of the SN to fill in a Powerball ticket!
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor." - Henry David Thoreau
Aquatic Biologist
NRA Life Member
R.O.C.S. Editor
R.C.A. Member #5050
R.E.N.E Subscriber
Mike722
Posts: 133
Joined: Tue May 27, 2014 2:58 pm
Location: Tallahassee, FL

Re: Flat Top With XR3-RED Grip Frame

Post by Mike722 »

Very hard to find!! Nice catch..
chet15
Posts: 734
Joined: Sat Aug 16, 2014 11:28 am

Re: Flat Top With XR3-RED Grip Frame

Post by chet15 »

O M Crazy:
Did you send the serial number to me so I can add it to the list?
Chet15
4t5
Posts: 18
Joined: Fri Jan 10, 2020 9:05 am
Location: connectitax

Re: Flat Top With XR3-RED Grip Frame

Post by 4t5 »

After finding this post in an internet search, I joined the forum, great site you got here!
In 2004 I picked up a 44m flattop 6 1/2" bbl. Didn't think much at first, knew they were hard to
come by here in CT., it had some cheap plastic (white) grips on it which I replaced, and since then, put a couple hundred rounds a year through it.
After finding this post, I had to go check, and lo and behold, it has a xr3RED grip frame, I'm now a happy camper.
The serial# is 292xx, which if I've been paying attention means it was born in 1962,the ejector is straight and the "button" is round and flat, making this a type 4.
If the o.p. has 16th, then this would be the 17th. Just letting you know there are more out there, HAPPY NEW YEAR.
flattop44
Posts: 2351
Joined: Tue May 06, 2014 2:31 pm
Location: Alabama

Re: Flat Top With XR3-RED Grip Frame

Post by flattop44 »

Sounds like a great gun. Post some pictures for us to see.
Bill
4t5
Posts: 18
Joined: Fri Jan 10, 2020 9:05 am
Location: connectitax

Re: Flat Top With XR3-RED Grip Frame

Post by 4t5 »

You'll have to bear with me, kids are grown and have moved out, but I'll try.
4t5
Posts: 18
Joined: Fri Jan 10, 2020 9:05 am
Location: connectitax

Re: Flat Top With XR3-RED Grip Frame

Post by 4t5 »

[attachment=0110202056 - Shortcut (2)0]0110202108.jpg[/attachment]
Attachments
0110202108.jpg
4t5
Posts: 18
Joined: Fri Jan 10, 2020 9:05 am
Location: connectitax

Re: Flat Top With XR3-RED Grip Frame

Post by 4t5 »

0110202056.jpg
Post Reply