OLD model or NEW model???

[DickE]

I have a couple of Old Model Blackhawks in .357 and .44 Mag and a New Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt. I like the OM action (four clicks) and loading by cocking to the third click. I am looking for a .22 convertible single-six. What are your thoughts as to the NM Vs the OM in the .22 convertible?

 

[Robb Barnes]

My personal choice is unconverted old model guns every time.

 

[krw]

My personal choice is unconverted old model guns every time.

Well said!!

 

[DickE]

I agree, I much prefer the OM, but I am curious about everyone's opinion.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

I own both, and I too prefer the Old Model's. But, if you want to safely carry it loaded with 6 rounds, and also have greater access to replacement parts...Then the New Model is the better choice.

 

[WAYNO]

I prefer my Old Models, but they live in the darkness of the safe, whilst my New Models get shot regularly.

 

[contender]

Old models. Period.

 

[Johnnu2]

Absolutely what he said....

J.

 

[wproct]

I love shooting the old model. It's a wonderful blend of old time shooting experience with some vast improvements in design. I don't have one anymore but I wish I did. The new model is definitely an improvement safety wise and shoots just as good.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

I have a couple of Old Model Blackhawks in .357 and .44 Mag and a New Model Blackhawk in .45 Colt. I like the OM action (four clicks) and loading by cocking to the third click. I am looking for a .22 convertible single-six. What are your thoughts as to the NM Vs the OM in the .22 convertible?

Old Models are loaded on the second click.

Starting with the hammer fully down on the frame . . .

First click locks the hammer back just far enough to retract the firing pin, sometimes called the "safety click".

Second click frees the cylinder for rotation for loading/unloading/inspection, sometimes called "half cock".

Third click is the bolt dropping onto the cylinder surface, hopefully at the leade to one of the locking notches.

Fourth click is the hammer dropping into the "full cock" position.

I love my Old Models.

 

[old 41]

Old model by a wide margin

 

[Cholo]

I'll take an OM every time, but I sure do like my NM 32 mags!

 

[veeman]

There are New Models??

 

[needsmostuff]

Odd man out here. I like New models !
Your answer depends a lot on how it is gonna be used. Ooooed and ahhhed a lot and shot a little. Gloating points go toward the Old Model.
If you want to fearlessly rough country carry it, shoot it a lot and want to do your own maintenance the nod goes to the New Models.
I like the fact with New Model stuff any part will drop in and is only a phone call away. Old model stuff can leave you stranded for quite a while.
Yup, I do have old model stuff . It mostly hides in the safe while the new models go out and play.

 

[Paul B]

I like both and probably have more new models that old but the preference is for the old if push comes to shove.
I'm kind of an odd man out s well as most of the time I load the new models exactly like the old, an empty chamber under the hammer. ut want to be sure that I don't mess up and load siz in an old model when out on a desert or moutain hike. On the rare occasion I run into a bear or Mountain Lion I've always had the time to add the extra round into the empty chamber. I've never had either one stand their ground or make threatening moves. I know I can load all six in a new model safely but it's just a habit I stay with. I sometimes carry a Colt single action so again, maintain the habit.
Paul B.

 

[hittman]

I’ve owned 2 NM over the years. A 30 Carbine and a 41 Mag Blackhawk.
Both got traded for the same model OM when one became available,
Nothing wrong with the NMs I had, just much prefer the older more collectable stuff.

 

[WanderLust]

The correct answer to questions like these are always "Yes."
Get both every chance you can, because you'll always kick yourself later if you don't.
Ask me how I know!

 

[BearBiologist]

I've had several of each and the only one I've kept is an OM Single Six in 22lr.

 

[TheHammer]

Gotta go old model. Can't be beat!
-TheHammer

 

[Rclark]

There is nothing wrong with a NM though. The NM is a bit easier to get a hold off in the market ... If you are looking to shoot it within your lifetime. My tuned NM Single Six shoots really well. That said, I don't own any OM revolvers, but do have several Old Army revolvers with the OM action, and like it.

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

If you plan on hunting with it, the NM action is by far stealthier. I once missed getting in an easy, close range shot at one of the nicest Whitetail Bucks that I've seen around my area. Because, he heard me cocking the hammer of my OM 41 Magnum. He looked right at me, quickly panicked and took off full steam ahead! Leaving me perplexed and cussing under my breath... Never had that happen with a NM.

 

[KIR]

I prefer the OM as I don't like the sights (front & back) on the NM. To each his own!

 

[Cholo]

↑ What's different about them?

 

[Randyzzz]

I love and prefer the Old Models. I keep saying to myself “OK, no more NM’s. You’ve got enough. Just nice OM’s from now on.” That said, seems too often that some New Model catches my eye and I'm able to get it for a really great price.

I have large hands and on all my "shooters" I replace the grip frame with either a Super Blackhawk Hunter or a RWGripframes unit. I have a really hard time customizing an Old Model out of respect for it. Same with vehicles- I couldn't bear to customize a beautiful 1957 GMC pickup- but a 2002? It's getting the treatment…

 

[jmca]

I like both and probably have more new models that old but the preference is for the old if push comes to shove.
I'm kind of an odd man out s well as most of the time I load the new models exactly like the old, an empty chamber under the hammer. ut want to be sure that I don't mess up and load siz in an old model when out on a desert or moutain hike. On the rare occasion I run into a bear or Mountain Lion I've always had the time to add the extra round into the empty chamber. I've never had either one stand their ground or make threatening moves. I know I can load all six in a new model safely but it's just a habit I stay with. I sometimes carry a Colt single action so again, maintain the habit.
Paul B.

I have an OM and an off brand, All 5 shooters(6)!
I figure 5 shots is good enough for day to day carrying, but if I thought I needed more, then I would drop in the 6th round.
Funny thing is, my brother owns an S&W in 45LC, He carry's that with 5 rounds too! He said, its an old model, not safe to carry with 6 rounds(?) Besides, day to day 5 rounds is plenty!

 

[Star43]

I'll take an OM every time, but I sure do like my NM 32 mags!

The 32 Mag on the Single Six frame was like a marriage made in Heaven !!!

 

[Star43]

I think most of your decision comes from what you can find in your location and/or where you live, especially if you are like me in trying to buy locally or somewhat locally, within a five county area, for me, in person. Sure the Old Model is great but as the years go by, they get harder and harder to find, as most guys want to keep them. On the other hand if you prefer a Stainless gun, then the New Model is your only option. I am fortunate to have one Old Model, and a "few" New Models, and to be quite honest, I love them all.

 

[Shamus2022]

If you plan on hunting with it, the NM action is by far stealthier. I once missed getting in an easy, close range shot at one of the nicest Whitetail Bucks that I've seen around my area. Because, he heard me cocking the hammer of my OM 41 Magnum. He looked right at me, quickly panicked and took off full steam ahead! Leaving me perplexed and cussing under my breath... Never had that happen with a NM.

With an OM hold the trigger back while you cock it. no noise.

 

[Cholo]

With an OM hold the trigger back while you cock it. no noise.

On my OM CF's the last 2 clicks are audible. I compared it to my deer scarer '79 NM SBH and those 2 clicks are much louder. I scared so many deer with that gun that I stopped hunting with it. I didn't have an OM SBH back then, but I believe it would have worked

 

[BULL'S-EYE]

With an OM hold the trigger back while you cock it. no noise.

Still too much noise when they're literally 15' away. I have had some successful hunts with OM's...But, from much farther distances.