GSSP
.30 Stingray
Posts: 109
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Post by GSSP on Mar 6, 2024 14:42:05 GMT -5
Are the 50th annivesary flat top versions any good? Mine is nice. Compared to an "old model" they are heavier seeing as they have a steel grip frame. That said, mine is a solid, well built, revolver with tight tolerances. For plinking, I find heavier can be beneficial in off hand shooting. To each their own however. Both lightweight and heavier revolvers have their place. Yeah, this thing comes in at 2.6 lb which if my match is good means 41.6 oz; about right in the middle of 357 BH's.
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Post by bradshaw on Mar 6, 2024 19:28:20 GMT -5
Alan.... the pre-New Model I bought as a teen , was the original length of the original Blackhawk, nowadays called the“mid-frame." The Super Blackhawk frame came out soon after, with longer Dragoon grip frame. Introduction of the Super Blackhawk simultaneously include “sight ears” on the top strap. The “ears” were then incorporated in the top strap of all adjustable sight models. And, soon enough after that, Ruger ceased production of the smaller Blackhawk frame, replaced by the Super Blackhawk frame on all Blackhawks.
More recently, Ruger resumed production of the smaller Blackhawk frame, investment cast to incorporate New Model transfer bar lockwork.
Others, especially Tyrone, aka contender, can outline the history more thoroughly. My “old model” Blackhawk with original-size frame had the sight ears. Contrary to aficionados whose legs get rubbery at the sight of a “flattop,” my aesthetic sense greatly prefers the “sight ears.” David Bradshaw
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Post by contender on Mar 6, 2024 22:17:27 GMT -5
I agree with the guys above. Try the new gun out prior to swapping parts around. You may find the plow handle grip frame & all is just fine.
But,, if you decide you want a Bisley g/f,, then it's not a hard swap. As noted,, the screw hole pattern is the same across the board. You can buy Ruger factory grip frames, grips, a hammer & trigger,, and install them yourself. Not too hard. Just make sure the hammer & trigger function properly. Occasionally you get one that needs "fitting."
Or,, you can also check out RW Grip Frames,, for a few different ideas. Top quality too!
I have (1) of the 50th anniv .357's myself,, but I'll admit it's still NIB. (I'm a collector and a shooter.) I have several "shooters" so it stays NIB.
I haven't delved into the history of these fine handguns because it's obvious GSSP is looking at a New Model,, and not an "Old Model." But a bit of history here. The first SA handgun was the Single-Six. A .22 LR revolver introduced in 1953. It's success was followed by the .357 Blackhawk in 1955,, and it had a "Flattop" main frame, with the sight base recessed into the frame. In 1956,, Ruger came out with a .44 Magnum FT as well. These (2) centerfire SA handguns were built on what we now call a "mid-sized main frame." Both have the FT design. Then in 1959,, Ruger brought out the Super Blackhawk in .44 mag. The changes were to increase the main frame size, a longer dragoon style grip frame, (and there were 2 lengths of those in the early years,) an un-fluted cylinder, and added protective "ears" to the rear sight. Both the mid sized frames & the larger frames were built until 1963 which is the timeframe where Ruger stopped making the mid-sized frame in favor of just using one main frame size. And with the change,, they also dropped the FT style, in favor of the protected ear design. We call 1963 the "Transition year" in collecting circles. Then in 1973 they stopped making the OM style of action, in favor of the "safety transfer bar" design. Ruger marked these guns with "New Model".
Fast forward to the 50th anniversary of the Blackhawk,, (2005) and Ruger designed & built a mid-frame size and FT with the New Model action design. The success of that has carried over into several other models since.
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