Ruger 50 Year Commemorative set

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rsmith99

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Edmond, Oklahoma
I just bought a Ruger 50 Year Commemorative set which includes a .357 and a .44, along with a wood and glass display case.
The pistols and case are still in the original box. The grease is still covering the pistols. I got the set for under $1000. This seemed like a good price even though I don't really care about the display case.

These were made around 2005. I was wondering how good the production was during that time and how the New blackhawks compare to the OLD 3 screw Blackhawks.
 
To most of us "old timers" there's no comparing the Old Models with the New Models. Two different guns.

To preserve the value of the set of 50th Anniversary Blackhawks you'd be doing yourself a favor by taking extra good care of the guns and that display case.

JMHO,

flatgate
 
I got the two Rugers all cleaned up and checked them out today. They look and function pretty well. But I did notice a slight drag on the left side of the hammer against the frame. This is already leaving scratches even though it feels pretty smooth.

Is this something I could easily fix with a shim, or would narrowing the sides if the hammer be better?

Thanks!
 
The guys at Long Hunter Shooting Supply - http://www.longhunt.com - apparently like the idea of slimming the hammer down. Their "Premium Action Job" on Ruger revolvers includes this hammer work: "Relieve Hammer 0.007" on each side to eliminate drag marks. Then the hammer is machine jeweled or plain polished per customer request."
 
If your going to shoot them i'd shim the hammer. Slimming the hammer down and it may show no signs of wear for a little while but then start to walk in the frame. The shims work great. Check the hammer pivot pin also.
They didn't make a whole lot of them so take care of them.
Have fun. Eric
 
when one "thins" down the hammer, it ia all done from the center portion of the hammer, ( about flush with the guns frame) and tapers upward, so there is NOTHING removed from the pivot area so as to allow the hammer to "walk or drift". all cosmetic and works..................me ,., I just prefer to clean up the side affected ,no changing or modifications.Nice set and a pretty good price, for that price you can shoot them......
 
You don't do a thing with those guns right from the git-go (no cocking the hammers and such) or use them, shoot them, enjoy them either way... but once you start cycling the actions you might as well shoot them.
JMO... nice guns!
 
As stated above, any manipulation of the lockwork of those guns will reduce their value substantially.

50thShooterLR.jpg


This one's been modified a wee bit. It needs some refinishing work, though. :D

flatgate
 
There are so many versions of Blackhawk frames. How would I figure out which frame is on this Comemorative set if I wanted to put some wood grips on it?
 
rsmith99 said:
There are so many versions of Blackhawk frames. How would I figure out which frame is on this Comemorative set if I wanted to put some wood grips on it?
Click to expand...

There is a "sticky" at the top of this page titled Single Action Grip Frames Explained.

However ~ to preserve any value as a collector set, I'd think twice about any modifications, even a grip change in the off chance something gets a scratch or rub mark. Seems even a cylinder line indicating they've been "turned" or "cycled" will have some potential collector/buyers wanting to drive down the price.

Obviously they're YOUR guns and you are free to do with them whatever you like. If they were mine, I would SHOOT them but ...... none of mine are collector grade or commemoratives.
 
I decided when I bought the set that I was going to shoot them. I will take care of them. Ten years from now they will still look great and I will have enjoyed them.
 
rsmith99 said:
There are so many versions of Blackhawk frames. How would I figure out which frame is on this Comemorative set if I wanted to put some wood grips on it?
Click to expand...

Here's two sets from Ruger you can order on line that will fit your guns:

http://shopruger.com/New-Vaquero-Smooth-Rosewood-Grips/productinfo/19871/

http://shopruger.com/New-Vaquero-Rosewood-Spanish-Diamond-Grips/productinfo/19872/
 
My bride gave me a 50th .44 mag for our 50th wedding anniversary.Back in '56, all our money went for food or tuition and books. I know that they are not the same as an original three screw, but I shoot and enjoy mine. If you shoot it with magnum loads, a fatter set of grip panels is a good addition. jack
 
Range Report

Well I took the .357 and .44 magnum to the range. They were just returned from Longhunter Shooting Supply in Texas where both received their tuning jobs.

Shooting factory ammo in both.

Both grouped good. The triggers are almost too light. They are about the same as my S&W model 19,17,and 14. About 1.75 pounds according to my RCBS cheap trigger pull gauge.

It was all I could do to hang onto the .44. Got good groups, but man was it stout. Props to Dirty Harry!

Something happened on my last shot with the .44. I guess I got my finger on the trigger before I had my support hand firmly on the gun. The thing went off and either the gun or my fist hit me right between the eyes. My shooting glasses made several cuts on my nose and brow line. Bled like a stuck pig. Might be a while before I shoot the .44 again.

What do you guys think about the trigger pull? Should I put the stock springs back in?

Also, should I go to the expense of loading my own .44 using a milder load? Like I said I have been using Trailboss for .38 / .357 and they are just about right.

If you get to shoot a .44 for the first time. Hang on!
 
Ouch! Yeah, one must learn how to "hang on" to a .44 but don't put it in a "death grip". Several posts above this one contains a pic of my 50th Anniv. .44 mag. The first thing I did was fit a Super Blackhawk grip frame. I cut and reshaped the square back trigger guard so it's more like the original supplied with the gun. The larger grip frame gives me "more to hang on to" than the original grip frame. Kudos to Ruger for making the 50th Anniv. guns pretty close to the originals. I've never cared for the "small" grip frame on hard kicking big bores!

JMHO,

flatgate
 
I've never cared for the "small" grip frame on hard kicking big bores!
Click to expand...
Of course you don't have to shoot 'hard kicking' loads ;) . My goto load in my .44Mag(s) is 10g of Unique under 240g SWC and it is a joy to shoot. Not powder puff load, but yet not a knuckle buster either.
 
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