New Model Blackhawks?

[OldePhart]

Okay...there's a long boring back story but I may have an opportunity to acquire a new, 6.5" NMBH in .41 mag for a pretty good "price" (it's complicated). I've always wanted a .41 mag but couldn't really justify the expenditure for something I'd shoot so seldom but...

I've never owned an SA revolver outside of my scoped Single Six convertible (which I love), so obviously this would be my first BH. In fact, to date my largest revolver has been an S&W k-frame .357, 4" barrel. I put probably ~5k rounds through it though, before the BC opened enough to make it a bit uncomfortable to shoot at least at an indoor range.

I haven't bought any new revolvers in ages because I can't really see blade sights well at all anymore. On this I would probably put a scope or, more likely, a 2X red dot and use it for plinking and, maybe, if health allows, an occasional hunt for whitetail out to possibly 50 yards in brush or maybe even some hogs.

Anyway, before I decide for sure I'd like to know if there are any major issues with recent specimens of these guns?

Thanks,
John

 

[Hondo44]

There really aren't major issues with any Ruger SAs. The last was over 20 years ago, the .357 Maximum and they discontinued it and made buyers whole.

Occasionally any model could have an example with an issue. New models can have some issues in the first stages of production, but the 41s are not at all a new model. In either case, Ruger's service is so spectacular and fast (2 weeks usually) if you have an issue, just call. They even pay shipping both ways!

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

I own three .41's . They are great shooters. Enjoy!!

 

[contender]

The ONLY issue I see with your proposed gun is that factory ammo is sadly lacking. This caliber truly shines it's best when reloaded with good stuff. If you choose to add some form of optic, keep the original parts & get a base that can utilize the existing rear sight screw holes.

 

[OldePhart]

Thanks guys...re scarcity of factory loads I'd be hand loading. Except for defensive carry ammo I try to hand load as much as possible. Sometimes I don't have time to reload for my high-volume calibers and have to buy commercial 9mm or .40, but I try to avoid doing that when I can.

 

[Rodfac]

I'm up there in age too, but can still see the front sight clearly through my bi-focals or a pr. of Walmart cheaters. A .41 BH is always a good choice...I've owned two over the years, still have one (a Flat Top)...son #2 got the other one. I find them extremely accurate with good loads. Recoil with full house loads is right up there with the .44 Magnum, however.

In truth, I shoot the 4-5/8" bbl'd. models a bit better, finding it easier to focus on the front sight. But either is a good choice, the 4-5/8" better for carry in an OWB holster when seated on any conveyance other than horse back.

The .41 is a handloading proposition for anyone but a Lottery winner. I buy brass on a regular basis worrying that some moron at Remington will discontinue it. For LSWC's, both Lyman's 410459, a Keith design, and Missouri Bullet Co.'s similar offering will do an honest inch with good loads and that over open sights too. In jacketed bullets, I like both Hornady's XTP and Remington's 210 gr JHP. Both shoot as well as the LSWC's and at full house, deer killing velocities. PM me if you're interested in the loads.

Can't speak to mounting a scope or Red Dot on a BH, but Dale53, a frequent contributor here, has extensive experience with both.

HTH's, and BTW, do yourself a favor, buy the gun, outfit it as you see fit...neither of us is getting any younger!! Rod

 

[OldePhart]

That's some nice groups. Most revolvers are capable of better accuracy than I am, at least these days.

 

[GunnyGene]

Bought mine in 2000. Never a problem with it, shoots straight, goes bang every time. If you want a scope on it you'll have to get it drilled, which was something I didn't want to do. I did put some after market Hogue grips on her to tame the recoil somewhat and fit my hand better.

Ammo isn't that hard to find anymore, but is expensive - about $1/shot for most hunting ammo. Lot of folks reload because of that. I use Underwood XTP 210gr ammo in mine which is a pretty hot load compared to Federal, etc. : http://www.underwoodammo.com/41-remington-magnum/ . They use new Starline brass, so if you're into reloading these are good for several reloads from what I'm told. You can also get cowboy ammo 210gr SWC from Georgia Arms http://www.georgia-arms.com/new-41-rem-mag-210gr-lead-semi-wadcutter/ when they have it in stock for about 1/2 the price of hunting ammo and it's a lot lower recoil. I've got a hundred rds or so of each.

Old pic below, had some Federal or PMC in the belt - shot all that up a couple years ago.

 

[OldePhart]

It's funny how things work out. I decided to be practical and take an SP-101 revolver that I could realistically use for a CCW on the motorcycle when I might not want to use a Glock. Texted my son-in-law to tell him I was getting an SP-101 like his and mentioned I'd almost gone for a .41 mag Blackhawk instead...and it turns out he has a friend who has one in great shape that he wants to sell at a reasonable price and he's willing to wait until the end of the month after my wallet recovers from having bought the Glock 26.

So...some days you do get to eat your cake and have it too... :wink:

 

[OldePhart]

Now...all I have to do is find a lever-action carbine in .41 mag (after the wallet recovers from the double-whammy). My "dream set" for 25 years or so has been a revolver/carbine set in .41 mag. Don't ask me why, especially considering it's been many years since I've hunted and I'm not really likely to do so again, given health, but you know how those dream things go..."build it and maybe they'll come..."