What do you think

[snuffer#1]

Since my next blackhawk will be a 357 mag, I was wondering if I should get a new one. The reason I'm asking, if I can find a good used one will it be as good? Or to avoid getting someone else's problem, just drop the coin and get a new one!
                                                                              snuffer

[Coppertop]

Snuffer,

For what it's worth, I bought my .44 blackhawk about 11 years ago, carry it everywhere I can, Shoot hot loads out of it and it has never given me any fits at all. I bought it out of a pawn shop. Having said that- you really never know what you are getting and I have even quit looking in Pawn shops lately and will just drop the dime for a new what ever I want/need.  Just my humble opinion.

[Jerry Lester]

As far as mechanicaly sound, I doubt you'd ever have a problem, and even if it did, Ruger would fix it with little, or in most cases no charge.

As far as accurate, I'm not real fond of laying down cash on a trade in gun unless I know where it came from. Everybody has bought a nice gun before only to find out it won't shoot for crap. In every case, they end up traded, or sold off to the next sucker to stumble along.

With the price that used Blackhawks bring, I'd suggest buying a new one myself. The only time I buy a used gun is to use it as trade material, or to sell for a profit. If they turn out to be a shooter, I may hold on to them for a while though .

[Coyote Hunter]

My hunting buddy and I both shoot Ruger Blackhawks we picked up used.  Both are great guns, his blue, mine stainless.

Dave's is older and he sent it back for the free safety upgrade.  Mine, as it turned out, had a bent base pin, the rod that goes through the cylinder.  Sent it to Ruger and they replaced it for free, too.

[K.K]

I agree with these guys. I, for one, love prowling used gun shops looking for hidden treasures.  If you know what to look for, you can get great deals as compared to new guns.  Let someone else pay the depreciation. Many times, people will buy guns and not shoot them much or at all before they trade in.  If there ever was a problem, Ruger service is excellent. (by the way, last month I found an "Old Model" Vaquero for 150 bucks, and in 95 percent condition). 

Used guns don't necessarily mean that there are problems.  There are guns nuts everywhere that have to trade for the latest and greatest, and we all can benefit from them!  Good luck

[Cement Man]

I agree with what has been said - the BH is tough as nails, Ruger service is top notch.  The other thing I think works to a used handguns buyer's advantage is that a whole lot more people buy handguns than can shoot them accurately.  I think there are significant number of used handguns on the market because the owners were disappointed in the accuracy - that they did not have the skill level to produce.  I once purchased a beautiful Springfield Armory 1911 with less than a box of ammo through it for half of the new cost - due to "accuracy woes" the owner was experiencing.  First trip to the range I found out it was the most accurate 1911 I had ever owned. 
If I found a used BH I wanted in good shape, at the right price, I'd buy it for sure.  If needed, I am sure Ruger will do right by you as well.  I guess the key is - the right price.  Where I live, used BH's don't fetch the highest prices, so there are likely some treasures to be found.