Early 1972 a nearly new looking Ruger Blackhawk 357 magnum was in dealers case , marked used $125.00 . Dealer said a fellow bought it a few months ago , saw the movie Dirty Harry and brought the 357 magnum BH back and traded it in on a new 44 magnum S&W .
The dealer had already sold it a once so couldn't sell it again as a new firearm , hence it was listed as used and marked down. He asked if I was interested...since Dirty Harry came out nobody wanted a single action in 357 magnum...44 mag. S&W were selling like hot cakes . I only had $70.00 in my jeans and the dealer said he would take it.
So I got a nearly new three screw Ruger Blackhawk with box and papers for $70.00 , all thanks to Clint Eastwood , the movie Dirty Harry and his "this is most powerful handgun on earth and will blow your head clean off" line .
It was made in 1971 , in 1973 Ruger changed to the New Model Blackhawk, so I have one of the last of the old models...and I still have it and shoot it ...no regrets.
It was my first handgun , I had just turned 21 and had cased a paycheck so had a few dollars that day !
Gary