WTK: Original Blackhawk bbl lengths?

When the Blackhawk was introduced in 1955, what bbl lengths was it originally offered? And when were other bbl lengths introduced? Thanks in advance.

BH 4 5/8" and 6 1/2". A scarce few 10"
BH 44 Mag 6 1/2" only
Super Blackhawk 7 1/2" with an early scarce few that had 6 1/2".
30 Carbine 7 1/2" only.
Hawkeye 9 1/2" only.

Any other barrel lengths weren't introduced until much later in the NM series.

NM BHs are the same as above with exception of the 32 Mag BH 5 1/2" only. Made only about one year.
Added lengths for NM SBH, 3/3/4", 4 5/8" and 5 1/2", 10 1/2" all in the last 20 years. Some of these are limited production on distributor exclusive models only.

A few 44 Mag flat tops in 7.5" too I believe.

My Hawkeye is 8.5 inch.

Maybe a few of the Super's were 10 inch too.

RENE would be a big help for you.

Thanks for the info gents. Totally forgot I have a RENE in my gun room somewhere!

Actually, the Blackhawk was also introduced in 1956 in 44 mag with 3 barrel lengths.
BKH-46 was 6-1/2"
BKH-47 was 7-1/2" kinda scarce
BKH-40 was the 10"

It was before the introduction of the Super Blackhawk.

well don't forget they made Elmer Keith a 44 mag 4 5/8" ...not sure what they made it from...but i think it is the only known made from Ruger one...
i know they made the 7.5" 44 mag as i have one and Dad has the 6.5" 44 mag
God Bless,John

True,,, Elmer got a 4-5/8" gun. (See Bill Hamm's display at ROCS in Ohio last July, at OGCA.) But the question was "what was offered" so we all assume the OP was wanting info on production guns, not specials. (PS; there were actually 2 guns built as specials for Bill's friends.)

The 357 Mag was introduced in 1955 it was only shipped with a 4 5/8 in. bl. The 6 1/2 and 10in. bl. guns were offered in 1959. As for the .44 Mag. Blackhawk it was first shipped in 1956. It was only offered in a 6 1/2 in. bl., with the Elmer Keith 4 5/8 in bl. gun the only one in that bl. length from the factory. As with the 357 mag guns the .44 mag Blackhawks, 7 1/2 and the 10 in. bl. guns were offered in 1959. Also to note Bill Ruger made 2, 15 in .44 Blackhawk. Only one is in a collector's hands the other was cut off at 10 in. as a prototype for the 10 in. Blackhawks.

.......I would bet the farm, that Bill Ruger had MORE than "2 friends" that he had something "special " made up for, let alone when he was down in Florida , and tinkered on things himself , this from Mr Grainger who replaced the teak wood on Mr Rugers boat, the 'Titania'...... :roll: :wink:

sorry we will NEVER know, as Bill seldom ever wrote anything down, just "told people" 8)

hittman said:

A few 44 Mag flat tops in 7.5" too I believe.

My Hawkeye is 8.5 inch.

Maybe a few of the Super's were 10 inch too.

RENE would be a big help for you.

Click to expand...

Thx for the correction, my Hawkeye is too. And I forgot a few.

Thank you for all of the info gentlemen!

I have seen some 'one-offs' at the factory (many years ago prior to the demise of Ruger family ownership) that I am sure are not widely known about...WBR had many unique guns in HIS/company's collection...what happened to them when he passed is unknown, WBR Jr may have them or they may have been given away....I am sure many are stashed away even now.

Their are two many stories from retired employees that have no reason to make them up, not to believe them...

And Bill would sometimes do the work himself, just to remind everyone, that he wasn't just the Guy who owned the place!

great information....