Which frame is which?

[begger]

Although I have been reading this forum for some time, this is my first post. Bear with me, this may be a bit confusing.

We all know WBR built his first .357 Blackhawk on what has become known as a "mid-sized" frame. And since he suffered a "catastrophic structural failure" with the new .44 Remington Magnum on this mid-sized frame, all subsequent .44's (and all other calibers except the .357) were built on a "large-sized" frame. Of course, from 1973-2005, everything was built on the large-size frame.

Now enter the anniversary model .357. Back to the "mid-size" frame. .44 anniversary model; large-size frame (I assume). Vaquero is large frame. New vaquero is mid frame. New model .44 Special? Newest Lipsey's .45 Colt is advertised as mid-framed.

All of this may be academic or personal preference driven until you consider frame strength, and the consideration of +P ammunition. "Ruger only" loads in loading manuals may not be safe in "mid-sized" frames, but perfectly safe in large-sized frames.

All of this to ask this question: How can I pick up a Ruger and know definitively which frame it is? Where can I measure it, and what should that measurement be? I know someone is going to load a "Ruger only" load in a mid-frame revolver and then we'll get a new liability disclaimer long enough to wrap all the way around the barrel.

 

[rangerbob]

"Ruger only loads" are not bought at the store. They are handcrafted by handloaders who want the full meal deal. As everyone knows who reloads, shooting reloads invalidates the factory warranty, so if one blows up a midsize frame 45/44 Blackhawk or Vaquero, you are on your on. I'm pretty sure, the shooters hand will give up before the gun does. Loads from Buffalo Bore and others are labeled as to what they should be shot in. Avid handloaders should stick with the full size frame guns. Bob!!

 

[pvtschultz]

Oh boy, another combo to remember when it comes to grip sales...

When it comes to the "Ruger Only" 45 Colt loadings, I'd stick to the Blackhawk, NM Blackhawk, and Vaqueros. The Flattop Blackhawks seem to be a horse of a different color which includes the 44 Spcl.

 

[Rclark]

Really, the only caliber you have to 'worry' about frame size is the .45 Colt. The only revolvers that I know of then, is New Vaquero .45 Colt and the Lipsey Convertible .45 Colt/.45ACP that can't handle the 'Ruger Only Loads'.

Keeping track of Grip frames is a whole nother topic .

 

[gak]

Talking non Single Sixes only of course:
- Anything that says just Vaquero on it (EXCEPT the 44 Special) = large frame
- Anything that says .44 Mag on it = large cyl frame at least. The 5Oth .44 marries that large cyl frame--all you care about re strength--with the smaller "new" XR3 gripframe of the lesser caliber'd flattops and New Vaquero.
- Anything that says .44 Special on it = midframe
- Anything that says New Vaquero on it = midframe
- Any NM/two screw flattop OTHER than .44 Mag and IIRC.41 Mag = Midframe
- Any NM NON-flattop Blackhawk = large frame
- Any .30 Carbine = large frame

I miss anything, I'm sure we'll hear about it

 

[thedogdidit]

I know this is an old post.....but great break down

 

[JAYDAWG]

https://www.rugerforum.com/threads/single-action-grip-frames-explained.131343/

 

[thedogdidit]

I wish I had a quarter for every time I have referenced this.
Come to think of it, I was re-referencing it when I found THIS post. lol

 

[contender]

The OP, written by "beggar" was about the main frames of Ruger SA handguns, & not about the grip frames.

Yes,, there are differences in BOTH.

Long ago, I discovered the best way to explain why all the differences,, was to say; "Evolution & customer demands."

The beginning,, the Single-Six was the first SA handgun Bill built. Followed by the FT .357. Of course the .357 had to have a bigger mainframe,, yet could still use the same grip frame. Evolution by necessity. (The very beginning of the occasional confusion for some.)
The .44 FT was quickly brought into production, again using the same main frame as the .357. But it was decided to make it stronger and the slightly larger & heavier main frame was designed. The early Super Blackhawks. Evolution again. The grip frame on the Super was due to suggestions by shooters, notably Elmer Keith for one. Enter customer demands.
To reduce the expenses,, as Bill often did,, he dropped the FT "mid-frame" size in favor of the bigger main frame for both the .357 & .44 to simplify things in 1963.
One main frame size, yet the grip frame was changed. Again customer demands showed up.

Over time, customers lamented the loss of the mid-frame for various reasons. Weight, balance & comfort mostly.

Then along came the CAS or SASS shooting. Ruger is, was, and will be the main brand most use. The original Vaquero was on the same main frame as the Blackhawks & Super Blackhawks.

As the demand for lighter guns,, the New Vaquero was introduced on the mid-frame design for SASS. And as noted,, the 50th Anniversary also allowed us the mid-frame guns.
Customer demands speaks out.

Due to idiots who fail to heed warnings about handloading excessive charges & such,, the lawyers had to address the "Ruger Only" loads listed in reloading manuals, for certain calibers,, to prevent the loss in lawsuits. So, some heavier calibers were only built on the "normal" Blackhawk sized main frame.

Grip frame shapes have changed a little,, as well as us now having a Bisley g/f to whit,, we have differences there as well. The only constant in the grip frame design, is that they ALL use the exact same mounting screw hole pattern. From 1953 until now.

So evolution & customer demands as well as SALES of the products have driven the changes over the 70+ years of SA design by Ruger.

Confusing? Yes,, it can be. Understandable,, yes,, if you study a little.