older blackhawk ?

[44-357]

is a 3 screw Blackhawk a good find? I know they are older never had one. this one I got thur is 357mag and has blue wear on it and has half cock to spin the cylinder like the colts. the ruger site shows it at 1967. I read something about the 3 screw safety but is that just like the old colts where if you drop it it could fire?

 

[pisgah]

If it's in decent shape and at a decent price, yes, it is a find. The potential safety issue with it is the same as with the Colt SAA -- there is no hammer block, and a sharp blow to the hammer could possibly set off the round under it. For that reason, the standard practice has long been to carry five chambers loaded, leaving the empty chamber under the hammer.

 

[44-357]

I knew the old cowboys carried 5 shots for that reason I got it by a trade on a glock 30 and he gave me boot. I have been looking for a 357mag Blackhawk didn't think id get a older one im happy.it has the alloy grip frame can I put a brass grip frame on it? if so what is the frame size I need to look for. I don't know all those codes on the frame.

 

[contender]

Ok, yes, the OM Blackhawk you got is sorta like an old Colt. Direct contact between the hammer & firing pin when the hammer is at rest. If you slightly pull back the hammer (to the very first "click") the hammer will be off the firing pin, but still not safe. A sharp blow, or even dropped can shear off the notch on the hammer to allow the hammer direct contact with the primer of a live round. So, to properly carry an OM, you open the gate, go to half cock, rotate & load one round, skip one chamber, then load 4 more. Close the gate, go to full cock, then carefully lower the hammer by holding it as you pull the trigger. Of course, do so while pointing it in a safe direction. Never lower the hammer from the half cock position. It can cause a live round to be under the hammer, AND it will give you that dreaded "turn ring" on the cylinder.
The alloy g/f is normal. Likely it's marked; "XR3-RED." Yes, you can swap it out for another factory Ruger g/f easily. The one caveat is that any of the NM grip frames will not have the same trigger return spring set-up. But, do not despair. If you get a NM g/f, and want to use it, you can make (easily) an adapter to fit in the NM g/f to allow the OM trigger return spring to work properly. Do a search here & you will find the adapter I'm talking of.
Brass g/f's of Ruger vintage will be just fine, w/o mods. Aftermarkets,,, maybe, maybe not.
The screw hole pattern on the Rugers hasn't changed in the SA's ever. The Ruger factory brass g/f is marked; MR3-DB. But be prepared to pay about $300 for just the g/f. Aftermarket brass g/f's are cheaper,,, but some can have issues in fitting. Also, the Ruger one will take the Super Blackhawk grip panels. You may also want the wider SBH trigger to match, and an OM Super trigger will cost around $50. The slot in the g/f is for the wider trigger, but the standard BH trigger will work.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

IMHO, any three-screw that hasn't been dragged ten miles behind a pickup truck over a gravel road is a "find".

How much of a "find" depends on condition and "originality" . . . and your bankroll and "gotta have it" factor.

True "beaters" can be refinished into pretty "shooters" but won't carry the same value as an "original" in nice shape.

 

[44-357]

thank you all for the info.

 

[Hondo44]

To consider:

A cheaper and simpler solution is to have your grip frame brass plated. Last one cost me $35 locally.

The next cheapest is a Ruger stainless grip frame. You won't have to keep polishing it.
And your hand won't stink like tarnished brass everytime you handle the gun.

 

[steve8261948]

I much prefer the older 3 screws to the modern pinned ones. If you learn to load the old model and follow that to carry it, you'll be fine.
Steve

 

[Hondo44]

Yes, with 5 rounds only and empty chamber under the firing pin.

 

[Armybrat]

Bought mine new in 1968, and it still looks the same:

 

[steve8261948]

Yes, with 5 rounds only and empty chamber under the firing pin.

Yes but, getting there safely is the trick.
Steve

 

[Hondo44]

Exactly why I was prompting you, not all readers especially newbies may understand that from your post i.e. load one....etc.

 

[old 41]

If Colt can still make revolvers without a transfer bar, and Uberti can and stay in business despite lawsuits, why can't Ruger?

The way New Model Blackhawks index is one of the worst fixes bestowed on shooters ever.
They took a fine gun and Mickey Moused the loading index completely.

Makes S&W locks pale in comparison and guys had a fit about them.

Just my opinion which I know doesn't matter to anyone but me

Happy New Year to all

 

[Hondo44]

All true and I second that.

However, recognize all is not lost. The New Vaqueros and New Model FLAT TOP Blackhawks have remedied the indexing issue with the "Reverse Indexing Pawl System". It can be retrofitted to any other new model to correct the poor indexing. Shouldn't have to but at least we can! And there are two other even simpler fixes that can be owner performed.

Reverse Indexing Pawl System All the NM FT Blackhawks and NEW Vaqs have this system which allows the cyl to roll backwards enough for the chambers to align to the loading gate trough without the hammer on half cock (which can’t be done on standard new models). You can see the device (3 parts) in the hammer channel to the lower left of the cyl pin hole shown below. Grip frames from models w/o this system need a divot cut for the free spin cyl pawl.

Hex retaining screw retaining cyl indexing pawl and spring in hammer channel:

Ruger free spin pawl on the right:

Divot for free spin pawl on NM Flat Tops and New Vaqueros with the reverse indexing pawl system shown on the left:

 

[old 41]

Yes, finally after all those years they did do a fix, even if it does not allow the cylinder to have that free feel as do the Three Screws.
I have a coupe of them, and have done a free spin pawl, they are a vast improvement, still, not quite the same feel or sound.
yeah, too picky I know

I like the safety feature of a transfer bar, but the cost was to high.
I'd like to handle one so fixed.
Anyone going to have one at the Boise show next month?

 

[Hondo44]

It's the hammer, only one notch. That can be mitigated too with 1/2 cock hammers on the market.

I wish I was going to be at the Boise show. I'd bring New Model stainless Rugers completely converted to 3 screw old models with and w/o Transfer bar safety. Just not that difficult with average skills and a drill press.