New or used

[Ruger338-06]

Looking to buy a Ruger Black Hawk in 357 mag. Used ones are a little scarce in my area. What are the new ones like for quality.

 

[WAYNO]

Just like cars, trucks, motorcycles and refrigerators, sometimes a lemon gets overlooked during QC. Still never acceptable to the feller who ends up with a bad product, but the hugest majority are turned out from the factory with no problems.

I've got a fair share of new Blackhawks, and every one of them has been perfect.

WAYNO.

 

[rdf009]

With the exception some of the quality control issues we've heard about lately, the new ones are just as good as the old ones (provided that we're talking about New Model guns). I'd say you're not going to go wrong by buying a new one, especially if you can get one for within $50 or $75 of the price of a lightly used one. Good luck.

 

[mike7mm08]

I would not buy a new Ruger sight unseen unless a return policy is offered. Mechanically they all seem to be fairly good. But cosmetic issues do come up from time to time. Anytime I buy a Ruger of any model I have the sales guy bring out all of that model they have and I pick the best. There usually is not enough of a price difference between a high quality used versus a new gun. And even though Ruger is great when it comes to customer service I still like the added piece of mind of being the original buyer should problems arise.

 

[Mike Armstrong]

I even like the black "plastic" grips on the new ones; reminds me of the oldest ones.

 

[Tommy Kelly]

I always hear of these issues with new rugers here but I have bought quite a few in the last few years mostly new ordered guns and I have had none of the issues others reported. I am completely satisfyed with all my rugers and have never sent one in for repairs. Also I have never bought a used one with problems either. It's kind of funny you hear of all these problems but you never hear about all the great guns people are completely satisfyed with. I would not hesitate to order anything I wanted and would expect any ruger to satisfy my needs. My only problem is that I have about everything they make that I want. Maybe one day they will come out with something I want and don't already have. I seriously doubt I could ever in my lifetime wear out even one of the ones I have to need to be replaced. Even if I used only it for all my shooting done.

 

[tacklebury]

Mine had major issues when I got it. I sent it back to Ruger and they fixed it good. Replaced barrel, both cylinders and did a trigger job for me. Shoots great and very smooth since. If you buy one and it has issues grouping with factory ammo, call Ruger. They will make it right.

 

[Rainman]

Some of the recent special Lipsey models came with incredible fit and finish. I have a 44 special 4 5/8" SS Vaquero that came from the factory rivaling anything coming out of a custom shop. My experience with Ruger's QC has been nothing but satisfactory.

YMMV,

Dan