First Year Production - New Model Super Blackhawk

[princeout]

Did the early New Model Super Blackhawks have the same recessed-casehead cylinder as the old model SBH's?
Thanks,
Tim

 

[Danjet500]

Not one to waste anything, I'm sure WBR used what he had until they were gone.

So the answer is yes.

 

[princeout]

Thanks! Anyone have any idea how long the old stock lasted?
Tim

 

[Lee Martin]

Learn something new every day. I wasn't aware that New Model SBH's got recessed cylinders for a short while.

 

[Robb Barnes]

I think there was even some co-mingling of XR3 and XR3 RED gripframes during the transition. Don't shoot me if I'm wrong oh collector types.

 

[Lee Martin]

I'd love to see photos of a recessed New Model SBH or as Robb said, a factory XR3 NM Super.

 

[Deadeye Tom]

I recently aquired an S47N (New Model Super Blackhawk) that shipped in Dec. 1973. Not only does it have recessed Case Heads it has a small groove machined into the cylinder face as a firiing pin relief. I have been told that the early models used Old Model cylinders.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I've heard of original Old Model Supers shipped with XR3RED grip frames, but not with XR3's. That said, with Ruger nothing is really impossible.

I'm sure many have been retrofitted after sale.

I have not heard of any New Models wit XR3 or XR3RED parts from the factory. That said, etc . . .

;)

 

[Robb Barnes]

You are right Ale, I should have clarified that I thought I had read or heard that there was some co-mingling among old models as the trasnistin was made from flat top to old model protected ear XR3 RED. I did not mean between new and old model guns. My bad for not clarifying what I meant.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Well, Ruger hasn't made it easy to keep track of all this.

And with Ruger, etc.

;)

 

[captainkirk]

I recently aquired an S47N (New Model Super Blackhawk) that shipped in Dec. 1973. Not only does it have recessed Case Heads it has a small groove machined into the cylinder face as a firiing pin relief. I have been told that the early models used Old Model cylinders.

I am a bit confused by your post about the groove. I can see its' utility in a rimfire, but not a centerfire. The firing pin should be nowhere near the edge of the 44 mag cylinder.

captainkirk

 

[flatgate]

OK, everybody take a deep breath and exhale slowly......... OoooooooMMMMMMM!

Ruger used up the last of the "recessed case head" cylinders from the OM's on the early NM's. Then they began using the "new" New Model" style cylinders w/o firing pin grooves.

Rimfires excluded, of course.



flatgate

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Ooooommmmmmmm . . .

I am oooooonnnnne with the Blackhaaawwwwwwwk . . .

Ooooommmmmmmm . . .

Kewl and groovy, Man!

;)

 

[Robb Barnes]

It is great having Flatgate, the Phil Jackson zenmaster of Rugers, on site! :lol: ooooooom, ooooooom sitting with my legs crossed and two fingertips touching on each hand! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[street]

Thanks! Anyone have any idea how long the old stock lasted?
Tim

They ran from "known" serial number 81-00001 to 81-42284. The first had the smooth triggers up to serial number 81-13249, and the grooved triggers ran from 81-13667 to 81-42284. No firing pin groove started at 81-41942. As you can see as with just about all Rugers there will not be a particular number when one ends and the other starts. There will be some overlap.

 

[princeout]

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the info.
Tim

 

[Deadeye Tom]

Thanks Street, exactly right. The firing pin grove passes right through the center of each cylinder.

 

[Deadeye Tom]

By the way, this one, S\N 81-117xx has the smooth trigger.

 

[hutchman]

This one has recessed chambers and a grooved trigger.......

It has since found a new home.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

For what it's worth. The 45 Colt Blakhawk also had the recessed cylinder
at first. Don't know about the 30 and 41

 

[flatgate]

Yes, the early New Model .41 magnums had "recessed" cylinders until the OM stock was depleted.

flatgate