Ruger Blackhawk .357

[Filroy77]

I was curious about the year of manufacture of this pistol my dad left me so I went to the Ruger site to find out. This an old style Blackhawk that was delivered in the 1964/1965 time frame.

The very first page as a warning that the pistol requires an update kit that they will provide for free along with a box, just  pay one way shipping. Appearantly the pistol will discharge if dropped or struck hard on the hammer with the hammer down on a loaded chamber.

https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/blackhawk-pre1973.pdf

I’ll b requesting a box and sending this thing in.

[Rocketvapor]

Unless you have a collectable, like belonged to a famous person or was used in a movie, get the transfer bar mod done. 

[Danjal]

Ruger was sued over this issue, so all pistols sent in get the transfer bar mod done. As far as operation you won't notice anything in operation. They also send you the original parts. The only permanent alteration is a stamp under the grip panels.

Before sending it in, check your hammer face to see if it's notched for the bar.


Basically, the transfer bar is attached to the trigger. If the hammer drops for whatever reason (without the trigger being pulled) the pistol cannot go off as the upper lug of the hammer stops the hammer from hitting the firing pin as it impacts the back of the frame first. When the trigger is pulled, the transfer bar is forced up ad the notched part of the trigger contacts it, which hits the firing pin.

[ramblin84]

Original 3 screw Rugers are collectible unmodified but, for practical everyday use you’ll want the transfer bar mod as RV says.  Some Blackhawk purists call it heresy but they give you th original parts back if you want to convert it back. 

All original Colt single actions and clones should be carried with the hammer on an empty chamber.

[Onepoint]

I have a 3 screw my dad had that passed on to me. I decided not to have it converted. It was carried many miles on horseback and hiking by both of us on an empty chamber.  It does have a "safety" of sorts, pulling the hammer back slightly sets it with a space between the hammer and firing pin so it doesn't ride the pin and a hard jarring on the trigger won't fire it. It takes action from the shooter to make it work, which is why they got sued for it being "unsafe", because people have to have someone else hold their hand and take action for them I guess. I have other old style single action revolvers that are the same as well. It's just part of what they are and I make allowance. 

I also have newer style double actions that have a transfer bar etc that I can use if that's the desire.  But the trigger is so nice on the Blackhawk I hesitate to change anything.

[Filroy77]

I don’t carry this pistol at all. It’s around in various places at the ready for home protection. I could keep it on the empty cylinder mode or… if it were to be stored on the first or second click, would this be acceptable and safer? 5 rounds in a home setting is probably more than enough but nobody knows how any particular scenario will play out.

[Hodgie]

The collector in me says don’t send it in, but I also probably wouldn’t use it much other than the occasional range visit.

Whatever you decide to do it’s a nice piece of Ruger history and a family heirloom.

[Onepoint]

Obviously the empty chamber is safest, the hammer safety is acceptable if you keep it in mind.

 I had single action revolvers, including this one for many years before I ever owned a semi auto, and never had even a close call.  But I was taught from the start about that particular issue.  Do what makes you comfy.

[cootertwo]

Did the pistol come with the original box? In any event, I'd leave it alone. I have a few 3 screw's that were my Dad's, all original, in box.

[joe66]

I've own both 3 screw and the newer transfer bar Blackhawks and personally, I prefer the old, unmodified 3 screw action the best. The modified guns just don't have the sound or the feel of traditional single action revolver. I just followed advice of the old cowboys and always carried the gun loaded with 5 rounds and the hammer down on the empty chamber. I know it's a safety feature for those unfamiliar
with old style weapons. If it was my gun, I would not have it modified.

[Filroy77]

Did the pistol come with the original box? In any event, I'd leave it alone. I have a few 3 screw's that were my Dad's, all original, in box.

I haven't run across the box. My dad wasn't big on collectible stuff or keeping things like that. More of a hands on useable kinda guy.

[Rocketvapor]

The deal is,
Is this in collectable condition?
This was past on to you and it took some internet sleuthing to find out about this "safety" issue. 
One day it could go to someone else that won't know the issue.

Carry on a empty chamber, advance the cylinder (cock/uncock just once) and that safety goes away. 

[Filroy77]

The deal is,
Is this in collectable condition?
This was past on to you and it took some internet sleuthing to find out about this "safety" issue. 
One day it could go to someone else that won't know the issue.

Carry on a empty chamber, advance the cylinder (cock/uncock just once) and that safety goes away.

The pistol is in good condition. Blueing is strong except where it was holstered. My dad was a hero but not a celeb and the pistol was not in a movie as far as I know. I am sending it in.

I was curious about the year of manufacture of this pistol my dad left me so I went to the Ruger site to find out. This an old style Blackhawk that was delivered in the 1964/1965 time frame.

The very first page as a warning that the pistol requires an update kit that they will provide for free along with a box, just  pay one way shipping. Appearantly the pistol will discharge if dropped or struck hard on the hammer with the hammer down on a loaded chamber.

https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_manuals/blackhawk-pre1973.pdf

I’ll b requesting a box and sending this thing in.

Ruger was sued over this issue, so all pistols sent in get the transfer bar mod done. As far as operation you won't notice anything in operation. They also send you the original parts. The only permanent alteration is a stamp under the grip panels.

Before sending it in, check your hammer face to see if it's notched for the bar.


Basically, the transfer bar is attached to the trigger. If the hammer drops for whatever reason (without the trigger being pulled) the pistol cannot go off as the upper lug of the hammer stops the hammer from hitting the firing pin as it impacts the back of the frame first. When the trigger is pulled, the transfer bar is forced up ad the notched part of the trigger contacts it, which hits the firing pin.

Danjal, The hammer looks to be the OM model. Thanks for the pics.    Will they charge me for a new hammer?

[PAX]

I've had a .41 mag 3 screw and have a 2 screw now. My memory fails me but I think the 3 screw had a better trigger but I put a trigger shoe and a hammer spur along with over molded wood grips. Was good to a hunnerd yards to ring the gong. But these days I   see that far    PAX

[branflakes]

Doesn't the sequence go;
 1st chamber load.
2nd chamber skip
Then load 3,4,5,6.
Close gate and come off half cock and you're on the empty chamber