RUGER REVOLVER HISTORY?

[KRuger]

Years ago, Flatgate (I believe) made a statement about Bill Ruger retaining the square back on the Super Blackhawk gripframe for a functional reason. Does anyone here know what that reason was?
The extra length and length of pull are obvious; but the only function of the square back is to remind me to get my hand farther behind the gun when it raps my knuckle. Are there any other functional reasons for it's existence?
Thanks,
KRuger

 

[contender]

If my faded memory is correct,, I think the redesign of the Dragoon style grip frame came from Elmer Keith.

 

[rugerguy]

myl ast conversation with Mr Ruger over 30 years ago, he "liked, flats, and squares and straight lines...." and after seeing his "flatops", flat loading gates " and "flat back of the trigger guard"s, who are we to argue or wonder why....his other conversation with me was as to his calling his early grips'" hard rubber",,,save that for another day.....may he rest in Peace.....and remember even Sam Colt and his ideas and designs were preceded by Mr Remington or was it Patterson??...........

 

[Hondo44]

That's also my understanding. And he reportedly also considered old traditional firearms in his designs:
the Bearcat from the Remington cap and ball pocket model and the sq back trigger guard from the Walker, Navy and 1860 Army cap and ball revolvers.