Dates of FlatTop manu.

[Larry from Bend]

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I was wondering what years (approximately) Ruger produced the FlatTop.

I'm asking because a just ordered a .44 Special TALO and was trying to explain to a friend that it mimicks an older model of frame that Ruger once produced.

I had a Ruger Blackhawk in .357 that I bought new in '68. It seemed to have a smaller frame than the new Blackhawks. Was that '68 model a FlatTop?

Thanks for any responses.

 

[flatgate]

Larry,

You really NEED to get some information on Ruger Firearms. Chet15's Red Eagle News Exchange contains a wealth of data pertinent to Ruger Firearms.

Want pictures along with Ruger Single Action info? Try Dougan's Ruger Pistols and Revolvers.

OK, Ruger began with Flattop .357's in 1955, followed by Flattop .44's in late '56. Both were redesigned in late '62 to include the "ears" along side of the rear sight assembly.

In 2005 Ruger re-released the Flattop .357, in the New Model configuration, of course, and followed that with the .44 mag. in '06. These two guns were "50th Anniversary" commemoratives.

Shortly thereafter the Ruger Distributors were allowed to special order a myriad of combinations/permutations of the above two "50th Anniv." models.

So, the early Flattops were Old Models/3 screws whereas the current examples are New Models. As you have noted, the .357's were made with slightly smaller cylinder frames than were the .44's. Most of the current "Distributor Special" guns, IIRC, are based on the smaller sized cylinder frame. (There's so many that I've not kept up on the particulars... :D )

flatgate

 

[Larry from Bend]

Thanks for your kind and informative response.

Is it correct then, that although Ruger stopped making the FlatTop in the early 60s, the smaller frame was kept on the Blackhawk until the New Model came out in '73?

 

[flatgate]

Is it correct then, that although Ruger stopped making the FlatTop in the early 60s, the smaller frame was kept on the Blackhawk until the New Model came out in '73?

Only on the .357 Blackhawk, the other centerfire calibres were produced on the large frame, which, by '59/'60 or so was referred to as the Super Blackhawk frame.

Books are good things to have....

OK, I'll quit....... :D

flatgate

 

[Hondo44]

Larry,

Most of the current "Distributor Special" guns, IIRC, are based on the smaller sized cylinder frame. (There's so many that I've not kept up on the particulars... :D )

flatgate

You're right, the only exception I know of is the 41 Mag FT.

 

[Larry from Bend]

Thanks again. I appreciate you (both) taking the time to answer.