What's a "flattop"?

[Triggernosis]

I'm new to Ruger revolvers - can someone please explain what a flattop is?

 

[jimbo1096]

Early offerings in the Old Model Blackhawk line in 44mag and 357 where the top strap is flat all the way across and the sight mounted more to the rear. Superseeded by the 'protected ear' models where the topstrap has a recessed area for the sight base and raised areas on each side of the rear sight to help protect it from damage. I can't remember the dates but think it was up to 1959? I know I will be corrected shortly.

 

[Triggernosis]

Thanks, jimbo.
Is there anything "special" about a flattop, function-wise - or is it more of a nostalgia thing?

 

[chet15]

Its all nostalgia. The sight ribs not only helped to protect the rear sight (as well as tearing a hole in your hand because of the sharp appendage) but it also helped to beef up the topstrap a little.
In 2005 Ruger came out with a 50th Anniversary .357 Blackhawk (flattop) and a year later their 50th Anniversary .44 Blackhawk (flattop). There have also been some special runs lately of a few flattop models in .44 Special and .41 Mag.
Chet15

 

[CraigC]

Let's not forget that the flat-tops, old and new, all come with an all-steel Micro rear sight. As opposed to the later all-aluminum rear sight. Many, including myself, believe the flat-top to be a more refined and more attractive design. The flat-tops, old and new, have also always been fitted with the XR3 grip frame, which closely resembles the Colt Single Action Army grip frame. Many, myself included, also believe this grip to handle much better than the later XR3-RED that has more room behind the triggerguard. Because of these features if given a choice, I will take a flat-top over an eared model any day of the week and collector value has nothing to do with it. So no, it is absolutely not 'just' nostalgia.

 

[ltbarber]

flat-top=A work of art!