A tale of two Rugers, Grips, Custom build Donor, Choices.. .

[TheShootist1894]

So awhile back I was jonesing for a custom single action, I decided on a ruger based Keith #5. Plan to use the Power Custom grip frame, long ejector rod, and a ~5.5" octagon barrel. Also planned on CCH the frame and was going to depart from the original some more by going with 44 Magnum. Now this is a long term project that will require months of gathering parts and tinkering with the action in my free time. That being said I am staring down the barrel of picking one of two guns for a donor. . .

Originally planned on going Flattop because I like the silhouette of that frame, and the originals were that way IIRC. So I put an ad in the classifieds for one of the Anniversary flattop 44 mags and picked one up that is unfired in the box, that being said it is not 'perfect' more on that later . ..

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago, cold weather and snow has me sitting in the house bored and I find a 4 digit Super Blackhawk 44 magnum that has seen some use, but it has a fantastic set of Sambar stags on it . . . so of course I own it now too.

Problem is feeling that Old Model action click, click, click, clicking back and having recessed charge holes has got me thinking . . .

Real collectors will poo poo both guns condition for anything but shooters, so selling the one I choose not to use will be to a guy with the intent to use it. Would the 3 screw gods strike me down for parting out the Super and making it my own? Any more pro's to using the NM FT other than the silhouette (and the fact that it is virgin inside)??

HELP!

Holster Rash all the way around cylinder, also another point Fluted VS non Fluted Cylinders??

Holster Rash and light pitting at the muzzle

Here we see a faint ring at the front of the NM Cylinder, there are several marks like this on the clylinder

Also a couple small dings in the cylinder of the NM, possibly the cyl was taken out of the gun and dropped or rolled? also has the start of the usual cyl ring

 

[Bob Wright]

I believe you would know my sentiments: Forget the octagon barrel!

Go with the Super Blackhawk Three Screw, use a cam-cut ejector rod housing and crescent head ejector rod. And the frame can be flat topped. By all means stick with the .44 Magnum.

Oh, and one other thang: flute that cylinder!

Whatever you choose to do, it is most imperative that you post photos!

Bob Wright

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

I voted for the OM Dog but would use any of the choices for the project depending on the desired outcome.

 

[ADP3]

Your OM was made in the days when Mr. Bill ran the show and it already has character. Stick with it.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[gramps]

I think I voted for the one with the stag grips! Would make a great custom one of a kind gun for you IMO. I would leave the cylinder unfluted with a round barrel. OTOH it is your gun :)
gramps

 

[Green Frog]

Bottom line, use the one that makes the final product closest to your vision of perfection. I would start with the FT because ... it's a Flat Top like the original #5, but that specific feature may not be as important to you as it would be to me. If you want the finest action and smoothest parts to start from, the OM is going to be the way to go, of course, but your custom build will have all of its parts slicked up anyway, so...

The ultimate decision must make you happy, since it's your $$$$ and ¢¢¢¢ that will be expended. You know going in that you probably won't be able to get your investment back in any way but the pleasure of use and ownership the gun brings, so build what you want if you build it all! Heck, over on the S&W Forum, a man took an orphaned Registered Magnum and built a 44 Special on it. It made him happy and me jealous!

Regards,
Froggie

 

[Ale-8(1)]

JMHO

Use the New Model . . . who cares if it gets chopped? And, it's already a flattop.

The Old Model may have some "issues" but it's still an Old Model and they aren't making them any more.

JMHO

:)

 

[The Blackhawk Kid]

Howdy, just send them to me! I already decided what I'd do. I'd have the SBH reblued and shoot it. Use the NM for the #5 project. Either way you'll have TWO nice shooters! BHK

 

[DGW1949]

I'm guessing that in the long run, you'll be happier using the 3-Screw for your project.
One can "flat top" the frame on those too ya know....and...it won't require any "action work". :wink: .

DGW

 

[powder smoke]

A personalize revolver Custom for many is a once in a lifetime gift to ones self. That said do as you please and do not look back. A man needs an indulgence from time to time with no compromise or guilt, a collectable so what!

Make a choice that makes you HAPPY JMO. The gun will not be sacrificed although your wishes might be! ps

 

[Kevin]

I'd go with the Stag handled gun also. Plus one on NOT an octagonal barrel. I like them on rifles but not revolvers. And yes, please post pictures along the way or completely done.