My New Favorite Blackhawk

[ChiefTJS]

Posted this over on the Ruger Forum but thought it would fit well here as well.

I got this 6-1/2" .357 Blackhawk last week but I've been looking at it for about 35 years now. My Father-in-Law gave it to me as he is now in his 80's and doesn't want things to get mixed up if he passes. I had told him years ago if none of his kids wanted the Blackhawk then I'd love to have it, he decided he wasn't even giving them the option and wanted me to have it. Totally stock in every way from 1980 and came in the box with a receipt for $139.00 My Son will get this after I shoot it for (hopefully) many years to come.

[rufus]

That’s a nice gift for sure, hope it shoots as good as it looks. .38/.357 ?

[tj3006]

I was looking at 1 just like it, but 139.00 will not bring it home !

[ChiefTJS]

.357 and in excellent shooter condition. I can shoot it as much as I want without harming any collector (None) value which makes it even more valuable to me. They may be boring to most but I've always had a soft spot for the 6.5" .357 Blackhawk as it will do pretty much anything I require of a handgun, this one will fit nicely in the rack right next to my stainless one.

[crazycarl]

Aug 17, 2020 7:43:20 GMT -5 ChiefTJS said:

.357 and in excellent shooter condition. I can shoot it as much as I want without harming any collector (None) value which makes it even more valuable to me. They may be boring to most but I've always had a soft spot for the 6.5" .357 Blackhawk as it will do pretty much anything I require of a handgun, this one will fit nicely in the rack right next to my stainless one.

6 1/2" .357 is a classic, in my opinion. Love mine & makes me look good at the range.

[dobegrant]

Nice gun, better it has family meaning

[squawberryman]

From your FIL makes it that much better.

[dana]

Nice gift and a great gun, enjoy it.

[ChiefTJS]

I've had it to the range three times now and it shows pretty good accuracy on plain old reloads I had laying around. I think she'll be a very good shooter once I do a little load development and ease that trigger down some. I think it just may be the worst Blackhawk trigger I've ever had.

[bisleyfan41]

I have a 1978 vintage one just like yours and it is also extremely accurate. They do seem rather boring when discussed in the midst of some of the creations here, but mine is easily my favorite as well for the same reasons you mention.

I replaced only the trigger return spring on mine with a 30 oz. from Wolff and dryfired it a lot whenever I was watching tv. The pull is just under 3 lbs. and decently crisp.

Love the story on yours!

[goodtime]

Maybe a poor boy trigger job? Merely a humble suggestion . . . Worked wonders for my BHs.

[ChiefTJS]

Goodtime- First thing I did and it helped a lot but I'm still planning a full trigger job. A good gun deserves a good trigger.

[leadhound]

Aug 27, 2020 5:58:56 GMT -5 ChiefTJS said:

Goodtime- First thing I did and it helped a lot but I'm still planning a full trigger job. A good gun deserves a good trigger.

Is it heavy or a lot of creep?

Not sure if you've already broke her down, but a cleaning and relube might be in order. Check and polish all parts makes a huge difference.

I have about 20 Rugers between Blackhawks, Bisleys, Single-Sixes, Vaqueros and Super Blackhawks, each one has been a different animal.

[ChiefTJS]

Haven't torn it down yet, but it's heavy with a lot of creep. I've been playing with Blackhawks for decades so I know I can get it ticking just fine, I'll just have to sit down and get it done.