Blackhawk frame question

[193296]

I have a New Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt. Not sure of the year is was made, but it is definitely a New Model.

Can someone confirm that this is build on the .44 Magnum frame (and not the smaller .357 frame).

The reason I am asking is that I want to shoot .45 Colt +P in it and my understanding is that that is OK if it's the .44 magnum frame but not OK if it's .357 frame.

It is also my understanding that all New Models are built on .44 magnum frame but I am trying to confirm that I am correct about that.

Thanks.

 

[Varminterror]

Unless I'm mistaken, there has never been a 'standard model' 45colt Blackhawk made on a "mid-Frame". I don't believe that even the Anniversary or Flat-Top 45's are on the "mid-Frame's" either, but I'm certain there has never been a standard model (i.e. NOT anniversary and NOT flattop) 45colt Blackhawk that wasn't on the Large frame.

 

[CraigC]

The only factory mid-frame Blackhawk .45's have been the recent distributor special flat-tops. Blued 4 5/8" and 5½" guns and a stainless 4 5/8". All others are built on the large frame.

http://www.lipseysguns.com/post/Ruger-Blackhawk-Flattop-45-Colt-45-ACP-Convertible.aspx

 

[Hondo44]

I have a New Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt. Not sure of the year is was made, but it is definitely a New Model.

Can someone confirm that this is build on the .44 Magnum frame (and not the smaller .357 frame).

The reason I am asking is that I want to shoot .45 Colt +P in it and my understanding is that that is OK if it's the .44 magnum frame but not OK if it's .357 frame.

It is also my understanding that all New Models are built on .44 magnum frame but I am trying to confirm that I am correct about that.

Thanks.

45 Colt +Ps are OK if it's a 357 or 45 NM "Blackhawk" frame(44 Mag size) but not a 357 or 45 NM "FLAT TOP Blackhawk".

All New Model Blackhawks including the 357 are built on the 44 Magnum large size frame. 41 Mag and 44 Mag New Model FLAT TOP Blackhawks are also large frames.

However all 357, 44 Spl. and 45 Colt New Model FLAT TOP Blackhawks (and all New Vaqueros) are built on the mid size frame.

Hope that helps,

 

[trapperon]

If your new model Blackhawk 45 has a serial number prefix of 520 or 521 it is a mid frame, and should not be used with the heavy handloads. Any 2 digit prefix indicates it is a large frame and can handle pretty much any load you choose to shoot in it!

Ron