Single Action Revolver - Newbie Questions

[Fergie]

So I got a Ruger Blawkhawk Convertible .45/.45LC and it is a really nice gun, I am very happy with it.

While dry firing with snapcaps I noticed it was not that hard to pull the hammer back while raising the gun and have my thumb slip off and drop the hammer with 1/2 or 3/4 pull back. How much hammer cock is needed to fire typically? Should you only cock the hammer when level (not being raised)?

Are there any safety rules of thumb for operating a single action? For sure keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Having it cocked when extended and looking for a target and uncocked when brought back in?

I saw a Ruger lady on YouTube use her left hand thumb to uncock the gun by sticking it between the hammer. I liked this safety tip.

If you have a good tip or advice for safe handling I would love to hear it!

I really like the gun if anyone is thinking of buying one. It is not eligible for cowboy action, but I would rather have a gun I can shot anywhere anytime.

[Hardwarejunkie]

I had one of the "old" New Model Blackhawk convertibles in like you, but ended up trading it in on a Vaquero when they first came out.

To answer your question, you must pull the hammer back fully so that the cylinder aligns with the bore to fire, if you only pull it back 1/2 or 3/4 it won't be aligned.

I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

[musketjon]

Don't stick your finger between the hammer and frame to decock the hammer. It will eventually bite you. To decock it, keep your thumb on the hammer, pull the trigger, and ease the hammer down. Remember, the Ruger is not fragile like a Colt and dry firing it will not hurt it.
Jon

[paultakeda]

So I got a Ruger Blawkhawk Convertible .45/.45LC and it is a really nice gun, I am very happy with it.

Congratulations. I have the .357/9mm version with a 6.5" barrel and yep, it's a really nice piece.

Are there any safety rules of thumb for operating a single action? For sure keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. Having it cocked when extended and looking for a target and uncocked when brought back in?

Same as any other gun, really. Of course, the fast draw on SA revolvers involves swooping down and back so the hammer is drawn as your hand drops to the grip. Someone posted on another a thread a nice little video of Sammy Davis, Jr. doing just that.

I saw a Ruger lady on YouTube use her left hand thumb to uncock the gun by sticking it between the hammer. I liked this safety tip.

As long as you let go of the trigger so the transfer bar can drop you should be fine. This is a key point of that the same video you watched -- a lot of people keep the trigger pressed and therefore leave the transfer bar up and therefore capable of transferring force to the firing pin. This method applies to any revolver that uses a transfer bar, DA or SA.

The thumb block is good if you don't trust the strength of your hands to keep the hammer from dropping on that initial release but it could end up biting you so you'll just have to be aware that that could happen. Still, just remember to let go of the trigger once the hammer is released. Even if you accidentally let the hammer drop too fast it's hitting nothing but space so your chances of hitting the primer are low (but not impossible, so don't trust and make sure you have a good hold on that hammer!).

[Cokebottle]

Don't stick your finger between the hammer and frame to decock the hammer. It will eventually bite you. To decock it, keep your thumb on the hammer, pull the trigger, and ease the hammer down. Remember, the Ruger is not fragile like a Colt and dry firing it will not hurt it.
Jon

It may eventually bite, but that's better than having an ND because the hammer slipped from the thumb when decocking.

[JTROKS]

Don't stick your finger between the hammer and frame to decock the hammer. It will eventually bite you. To decock it, keep your thumb on the hammer, pull the trigger, and ease the hammer down. Remember, the Ruger is not fragile like a Colt and dry firing it will not hurt it.
Jon

A modern Ruger Blackhawk will have a transfer bar. To decock it, keep your thumb on the hammer, pull the trigger, and slightly ease the hammer forward while releasing the trigger. Now ease the hammer down. Yes! The Ruger is not fragile like a Colt and dry firing it will not hurt it.

[Hokanut]

Those are some REALLY beautiful grips!

Congratulations. I have the .357/9mm version with a 6.5" barrel and yep, it's a really nice piece.




Same as any other gun, really. Of course, the fast draw on SA revolvers involves swooping down and back so the hammer is drawn as your hand drops to the grip. Someone posted on another a thread a nice little video of Sammy Davis, Jr. doing just that.


As long as you let go of the trigger so the transfer bar can drop you should be fine. This is a key point of that the same video you watched -- a lot of people keep the trigger pressed and therefore leave the transfer bar up and therefore capable of transferring force to the firing pin. This method applies to any revolver that uses a transfer bar, DA or SA.

The thumb block is good if you don't trust the strength of your hands to keep the hammer from dropping on that initial release but it could end up biting you so you'll just have to be aware that that could happen. Still, just remember to let go of the trigger once the hammer is released. Even if you accidentally let the hammer drop too fast it's hitting nothing but space so your chances of hitting the primer are low (but not impossible, so don't trust and make sure you have a good hold on that hammer!).

[paultakeda]

Those are some REALLY beautiful grips!

Thank you. If anyone is interested, they are from Private's Custom Grips. Not cheap but not exorbitant.