New Model BlackHawk?

[sw640]

I was told by a friend of mine thatt recently Ruger started putting a "lock and changed the grip frame" on the New model Black Hawks. Is this true and are the locks on all new manufactured Black Hawks?

 

[GaryA]

The latest I understand is that the grip frame is the same (still XR3-RED) but the grips are changed from the rosewood to hard rubber/plastic crips which are thinner than the rosewood grips. The latest I understand is that all new production blued Blackhawks, both alloy and steel grip-framed have the internal lock but as of yet the stainless models were still being shipped with rosewood grips and no lock. I'm sure the lock will show up on all models before long and perhaps the new grips also. Personally, (and I may be in the minority here) I like the new grips better because they fit my hand better and the lock, for me, is a non-issue. It will not "self-activate", is completely out of sight, and I ignore it.

One more thing, I have heard from some that the presence of the lock results in a somewhat lighter mainspring. Some don't like that but I have not yet experienced any loss in ignition reliability and do think the new Blackhawks cock slightly easier and are very smooth. New Blackhawks also have the warning label engraved under the barrel rather than on its side which is much better looking. It may be heresy, but for my purposes, I like the new Blackhawks even better than the old ones.

 

[flatgate]

The Lock.

Comparison of the old mainspring/strut and the new, lock style. I stuck a "split ring" on the soft mainspring so I'd not grab it by mistake.... :roll:

flatgate

 

[Motex66]

flatgate there are questions I won't ask and pictures I won't ask to be posted I will just use my imagination.
John

 

[Chief_10Beers]

flatgate there are questions I won't ask and pictures I won't ask to be posted I will just use my imagination.
John

+100! :lol: ................................

 

[flatgate]

I'll answer... YES, there are ways.....

flatgate

 

[hutchman]

I've done it.........

.....and I like it!

 

[sw640]

I have to ask done what?

 

[JimMarch1]

Pull the lock. There's a bunch of ways to do it. One answer: gunsmith Wes Fargo has a thing that you can put in instead of the lock that provides a screw-adjustable hammer over-travel stop for $35.

That said, the Ruger lock has NO reported accidental engagement failures. Not one such complaint since they first appeared in 2004. I carry my 2005-vintage NewVaq357 daily without fail and the lock doesn't bother me a bit.