Is the Ruger 357 Anniversary overpriced?

[Michael H]

I have been looking at the 50th year anniversary Blackhawk 357. I'm kinda wincing at the price that Ruger is wanting for it tho. The MSRP is over 5 bills. The only thing special about it is the rolled stamped lettering on the barrel (gold colored letters) with black rubber grips. The new model Blackhawk has an all steel frame the orig. had an aluminum frame the new model cylinder is larger than the last model pistol. It has micro adjust rear sight with ramp type on the front. Over all wt. is 7 oz heavier than the orig. model made in 1955.
Sport South lists the gun at about $562 MSRP I think it would be less at some retailers like 'cheaper than dirt'.
I guess the price is only has high as how bad the buyer wants the gun.
They were supposed to have sold only in the year 2005, but I think sales were a little slow. The regular new model blackhawk in 357 with wood grips is less than $400.
2006 is the going to be the 50th year for the 44 mag. Same gun as the 357 anniversary but in 44 mag and a longer barrel.
http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=5201&return=Y
Can anyone shed light on this pistol and maybe the future worth of it?
If you have seen this pistol of the shelf how much was the price?  Can I ask that question on this forum?

[Hopalong7]

I bought mine almost exactly a year ago at a local shop in Roanoke.  Price was about $450 if I remember correctly.  To date its the only one I've laid eyes on.  If that was all of'm then the value would have to go up quite a bit.  GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt  :grin:

[HAMMERHEAD]

I put a deposit down on one last week.
$449. Maybe a little high, but not too far off.
Steel sights, steel grip frame, a small '.357 frame' that they have not made in 30 years, a free spin pawl that aligns the cylinders nicely for loading, feels great, I'll pay a little extra.

[DakotaElkSlayer]

Sportsman's Warehouse had the 50th .357 Blackhawk marked at $419...  Not too bad of a price if the gun fits your hand well...  Felt a little too small for me.

Jim

[BlkHawk73]

Besides being in production for just 2005, it's the nostalgia you're getting.  It's got the gold lettering.  It uses a different frame than the other Blackhawks.  A smaller one in the flat top style.  Also has a different gripframe than the other Blackhawks being produced.  It's a steel one in the same design as the original one as well as having grip panels closely resembling the original BH grips.  To some maybe the difference aren't a big deal.  To others it's been a long time coming.  Is it worth the extra money.  Depends...  First of all, suggested retail is just that suggested.  It's far from what it'll actually sell at.  Fools pay full retail.  
any grabbed particualr serial numbers to match the serial number on thier old model of the same variation. to them, price wasn't a big factor.  As a collectable, an unfired, unturned one may bring a premium in 10 yrs or so but I don't see them being a profitmaker like the old models are today.
  I've seen them from just over $400 upwards of full retail for asking prices.  They're still easily available so prices shouldn't be going up.

[pastorp]

Michael, Check the classifieds at this forum to get and idea whar ruger collectors value them at. www.rugerforum.com Regards, Byron