Super Blackhawk

[JHermsen]

I hope this isn't repetitive but, is it safe to carry a Ruger, Super Blackhawk (single action obviously) with a round in the chamber that the hammer sits on?

I know some single actions this is a no go, just not sure about mine. I'd hate to find out the hard way.

[swifty]

New Model - Yes

Old Model - No

[JHermsen]

how might I determine new from old?

Thank you for the quick response!

[swifty]

The New Model is actually marked as "New Model Super Blackhawk".

[JHermsen]

oh poop...it doesn't say that. Thanks for the help Swifty

Merry Christmas

[smird]

oh poop...it doesn't say that. Thanks for the help Swifty

Merry Christmas

You can send them into Ruger and they will retrofit them.

[Fjold]

You can send them into Ruger and they will retrofit them.

For free.

[tujungatoes]

OK, I'm not necessarily a pistol guy. What's the diff, and what is the retrofit? I carry my G23 with one in the pipe all the time. I would think a SA pistol would be kosher, as long as you keep it de-cocked and your booger hook off the bang switch. I've been wanting to buy a blackhawk in 45LC, so this has my interest. Learn me somethin' guys.

-toes

[JagerTroop]

OK, I'm not necessarily a pistol guy. What's the diff, and what is the retrofit? I carry my G23 with one in the pipe all the time. I would think a SA pistol would be kosher, as long as you keep it de-cocked and your booger hook off the bang switch. I've been wanting to buy a blackhawk in 45LC, so this has my interest. Learn me somethin' guys.

-toes

The "New Model" has a metal tab that slides up when the hammer is decocked. It blocks the firing pin. When the hammer is dropped slowly(and the trigger released before the hammer reaches the pin), it blocks the pin before the hammer strikes the pin. When the trigger is held down (firing the weapon), the tab is held down, leaving the firing pin exposed for the hammer to strike.

The old model does not have this tab. If there is a live round in the chamber (positioned to fire) and the hammer is down, a firm blow to the spur of the hammer may discharge the round. The hammer is resting on the firing pin, which is just a few thousandths away from the primer.

I'm sure that there have been more than a few ND's that resulted in a bullet in the leg/foot before Ruger changed this design.

[tujungatoes]

Ahh...eyes see. Thanks for the lesson JagerTroop

[The King]

There are people who pay a premium for an unconverted old model. Not me, I lke it safe, but ruger collectors. How big a premium, I don't know...

[Fjold]

If you send your old three screw Blackhawks in for the transfer bar conversion Ruger will do the work and then send you back all your old parts so that you can return it to original condition if you want.

[swifty]

Ruger Safety Offer

[otteray]

FREE instruction manuals for all Ruger firearms available upon
request. Please specify model for which you require a manual.

New:

http://stevespages.com/pdf/ruger_blackhawk_nm.pdf

Old:

http://stevespages.com/pdf/ruger_blackhawk_om.pdf

[bigbob76]

I think I remember a specific case that cost Ruger a lot of money and started the transfer bar system. A guy left his Blackhawk hanging in a western style rig in the bedroom for defensive use by his petite wife. He decided it would be better to cock the hammer for her so it would be ready to go. One way or another the revolver discharged and the result was a body that assumed room temperature. At least that is the way I remember it.