Three Screw Question

[elvaquero]

I read an article on the the original Ruger three screw revolvers that the conversion to the transfer bar negatively affects the smooth Colt-like handling properties. As I may have an opportunity to acquire one in .45 Colt (7 1/2" barrel) I would like to know what thoughts there are on this forum.

[contender]

Well, what you heard is GENERALLY correct. I have purchased a few OM's that had already been returned to the factory for the transfer bar safety system. One of the very first things I do is remove that conversion & return the gun to an "as shipped" condition. In my hands,,, there is a world of difference in how they feel & I totally prefer the smooth 4 click action. I'm also smart enough to know how to properly load & carry an OM,,, with an empty chamber under the hammer.
If you are buying an OM,,, and the original parts are not with it,,, and you want to return it to the as shipped condition,, then figure an average of $125-$150 for parts. I always consider all this when buying a converted OM.

I own a few of the OM 45 Colts (16 & counting,) & always chase more of them. There were 6 variations in the 3 short years of this guns production. They were; 4-5/8" & 7-1/2" bbls, then each bbl length with factory brass g/f's, and then each bbl length in the convertibles. Actual production numbers of the 45 OM was less than the 44 mag Flattop. I'll see about posting a picture of my display at the ROCS show during the July OGCA show last year.

[kings6]

Contender is right in that most guys like the feel of the original internal parts better than a converted gun. That said, some of the top gunsmiths can do a very good job with a converted guns action if you want to be able to safely carry 6 in the cylinder.

[contender]

Robb is correct. I didn't address this as I was trying to answer the question directly. But,,, a GOOD gunsmith can make the converted ones feel pretty good as well.

Here is the picture of my display.

[elvaquero]

Thanks for the input. I am not sure how important the four clicks of the Colt feel is to me. I've never experienced it. I will take a look at this hun soon and let yopu know what I decide. In your opinion, how do the 3 screw Blackhawks compare in quality and workmanship to subsequent generations?

[contender]

Well, in my PERSONAL opinion, the OM Blackhawks are slightly better than many currently made Rugers due to many of the folks back them that worked for Ruger were gun folks as compared to many machine operators of todays world.

As for the feel of the action,,, 4 clicks is less important than the smoothness of the action. Often,,, the retro fitted transfer bar action has a rougher feel than the original action.

[KRal]

In my opinion, judging by my rugers, the 3 screws are hands down better in fit and finish than any single actions I've seen come from Ruger in the past 10 years or so. This is just based on what I own and have handled.

[justahunter]

I have 2 OM and 2 NM at this time. All but the one OM have had action work done. Even with action work on the NM I prefer the OMs

[elvaquero]

Thanks,guys. Your opinions and experiences are valuable to me. I haven't seen this gun yet, but today I learned it has a four digit serial number, which must put its age back in the 60s,I guess. I also learned that back in those days, Ruger made the Blackhawks in two barrel lengths: 4 5/8. and 7 1/2. Now that I know this and have your input, I am anxious to at least see the gun, whereas before I was ready to walk away. It hasn't been mentioned on this thread, but I assume that having a 3 screw modified to the transfer bar system detracts from it's value/desirability?

[AxeHandle]

The Ruger installed safety conversions are nasty. A good installation can turn that around. I've got a Reeder built gun with the Ruger conversion that is as slick as any original 3 screw gun out there. IMHO Fit and finish of the three screw guns is a level above the NM guns. FWIW I think Hunters like the NM better. That four click sound is cool in the house but the less mechanical noise and the ease of the free spin pawl modification makes the NM the hunters choice.

When you buy a converted three screw gun ask the seller for the conversion parts. Ruger returns them with the gun. I've traded for OM guns and found the original parts in the box. We have a used OM on the shelf at the shop that has the original parts in the box. Take note that Ruger permanently marks the converted gun with a letter stamped in the bottom of the cylinder frame. It is covered by the grip frame but it is there.

[contender]

Ok, you must not have read my first post correctly.
If it doesn't have the correct parts,,, DEDUCT about $125-$150 from the value for those replacement parts.

Also, look at my picture,,, see the big dates,,, 1971-1973. The only years that Ruger built the OM 45. And, the serial numbers will start with 45-00111 & finish with 45-23031. A 4 digit gun will be between 45-01000 to 45-01999.

If you pass on it,,, please let me know where it is if you can.

[northeastboy]

I don't have a OM 45 but I do have a OM 44 Super Blackhawk, four digit serial number that was built in 1961. I think the fit and finish is a good step up from the NM's of today and it's all steel. I don't think you would regret getting the OM 45 because they have a history to them that you just can't find today. Good luck. Gerry

[airliner9]

The only Black Hawk I have is a 3 screw .41Mag 4 5/8" I picked up because it is the exact same model my father had. It liked to spit the base pin with even medium loads, maybe the reason I got a deal on it A new Belt Mountain pin fixed that for short money. I wasn't really into single actions until shooting it and rediscovered how much fun it is.
Now I'm on the prowl for 45 Colt....it's a caliber I don't have yet, but maybe if I find a .357 in my searches I'd pick one up as long as it's the old model. I don't carry it, so have no problem with one less shot.

[elvaquero]

Contender,
You got me laughing when I read your last post. I knew you would want to be first in line if I pass on the gun. Yes, of course-I will put you in contact with the owner. The gun, like me, is in Arizona, where God invented sunshine. After reading all the posts on this thread, I am re-thinking my attitude. If I do buy it, I will probably not modify it and learn to live with five in the cylinder. So now I am anxious to set up a time to see the gun. I will let you know.

[contender]

Well, for sure,, keep us,,, (me) posted about this one. Those guns are desirable,,, and as such, when in original condition,,, make a lot of folks smile. Oh, if it were to come with a factory brass g/f,,, & the price is in the "shooter" ballpark, grab, pay, & run!