OM SBH barrel question

[Spencer]

Was the OM SBH only made with a 7.5" barrel? or were there other barrel lengths made?

 

[SteveRuger]

The Old Model Super Blackhawk were Basically all 7-1/2" Barrels Except for: ( Of the top of my old head ) Approx. 3 were made with 10" Barrels & 600+/-each with 6-1/2" barrels.

 

[Spencer]

Thanks. Appreciate the info.

 

[Hondo44]

The 6 1/2" barrels were left over from 44 Mag Blackhawks when they were discontinued. They are of course very collectible and therefore pricey. They are also often faked.

Many were cut to owners preference of 6 1/2" and other lengths like 4 5/8", 5" and 5 1/2". Those are usually cheaper because the collectibility is gone.

Were you looking for one?

 

[Spencer]

I am looking for a SBH 3 screw shooter with a less than 7.5" barrel and was wondering if they were made in that configuration. I'm about done with customs, just want a stock beater nothing collectible, no sending out to change anything. Ideal length would be 5.5" but would be comfortable up to 6.5" Dont want to spend an arm and a leg, because it is rare or collectible or NIB. A cut down barrel would be fine for me.

 

[tek4260]

You should cut it yourself. Really isn't that hard to do

 

[flatgate]

The 6 1/2" barrels were left over from 44 Mag Blackhawks when they were discontinued.

That's not quite correct. The story that seems most plausible is one of a small mistake occurred during barrel production. A batch of .44 cal. barrels destined for the Super Blackhawk were cut to Blackhawk length, i.e. 6-1/2".
Not one to waste a dime, Ruger had them fitted to Supers anyway.

Ruger Pistols and Revolvers, p. 277; Ruger and His Guns, pp. 52-53

JMHO,

flatgate

 

[SteveRuger]

flatgate that is a nice Super!

 

[Hondo44]

flatgate, thanks for straightening that out. BTW what is your take on some original FT 44s coming from the factory w/ 4 5/8" barrels on a special order..true? If so ever heard of or seen one?

Thanks,

 

[street]

flatgate, thanks for straightening that out. BTW what is your take on some original FT 44s coming from the factory w/ 4 5/8" barrels on a special order..true? If so ever heard of or seen one?

Thanks,

I have yet to see a factory letter on a 4 5/8in .44 Flattop. But with Ruger, "Never say never".

 

[SteveRuger]

FWIW- Ruger Made ONE Serial#2331 44 Flat Top with a 4-3/4" Barrel & sent it to Elmer Keith around 1959 if I remember correct. There were Shorter Barreled Phototypes made on Super Blackhack Frames as Proto-Types only & not shipped from the factory because no Serial #'s were placed on them. Only Three were shipped with 10" Barrels that Factory Letter in the Old Model Super Blackhawks.

 

[flatgate]

Herb Glass also received a 4-5/8" .44 Flattop from WBR. S/N 7498, Jerred Engraved.

:shock:

I have a "Factory" made 4-5/8" .44 Flattop and the barrel has that nice paragraph of information so I can read about guns when I'm not shooting.....

Yes, I added a few changes.........

flatgate