3-Screw Blackhawks

[Dave T]

My first handgun was a Ruger Super Single-Six (1967). I went in the Army later that year and it stayed home while I shot the Army's guns. When I got back from Vietnam and out in '71, one of my first purchases was a Blackhawk 357 Mag. That was quickly followed by a used Blackhawk 44 Mag...yea, a Flat-top. That started a long affair with that earliest of the Blackhawk family.

Fast forward and I find myself looking to get back into the guns I first had and loved (all the early ones were sold or traded as tastes and interests changed). My first duty weapon as a Deputy Sheriff was an N-frame S&W (M-28) so I've been hunting for N-frame Smiths. I've also been looking for 3-screw Flat-tops. Luck (or something) has been on my side as I have a 44 Flat-top on the way and just found a very clean 357 FT and put it on layaway. This is getting expensive (LOL).

Anyone else out there who likes the older Rugers? They sure feel different in the hand than these New Models. Probably proof I'm getting to be an old codger but I just can't warm up the the NMs. I'll take the feel of cocking the hammer and the trigger pull on a 3-screw every time.

Dave

 

[BlkHawk73]

Matter not to me. The variations I prefer are all NM's so I go there. Have a few OM's (minty 4 digit .41 included) but I'm content with NM's. People often complain about the NM triggers/action compared to the OM's but it's darn easy to slick/clean 'em up.

 

[rcmodel]

The old three-screws were what a SA should be.
Slim, trim, and a great trigger.

The new model is what a hand cannon should be.
Clumsy feeling by comparison.
And I have yet to see one with nearly as good a trigger right out of the box.

rc

 

[Dave T]

BlkHawk73,

I wasn't trying to say there's anything wrong with someone liking the NMs. Just stating my preference for what I started out with.

If you're happy with the NMs, more power to you.

Dave

 

[SASS#23149]

Give me an OM over a HM anytime. My old timer still shoots great,and will out last my import clones,hands down.

 

[Big Bill]

Dave T - I still pine for some of the handguns and rifles I owned when I was younger. But, many of them aren't made any longer. Thank goodness I still have my Winchester (pre 64) model 94. I've learned never to look back. No matter what I do, I can never resurrect the past. What I used to have is gone; and, NOTHING I can purchase now is a satisfying substitute for me.

 

[MovedWest]

I have both, but I prefer the OM's. My main SBH is a new model - only because my old model is in such pristine shape. You've gotta love the quality of the finish of the old models - seriously they glow! The feel of the OM is much finer and more precise than the NM.

FWIW, I've blown my ejector housing off my NM 3 times in the past 18 months. Laugh if you will, but that's why I bought the OM - to shoot when my NM gets sent back to Ruger for repairs!

-MW

 

[MADDOG]

I like the four clickers more myself. Great guns.

 

[45Badger]

If you like the 3 screw guns, Magnumite has one posted for sale. It's a nice gun.

 

[Johnnu]

YUPPER "OLD MODELS ONLY" HERE..........Actually stopped buying Rugers entirely when they switched; then stopped again when they started posting warnings on their guns. If I keep this up, I may not even allow myself to buy paint.....

 

[Gordon]

The 50th Anniversary Models snapped me out of my nostalgia. They just MIGHT be better!

 

[ArmedBear]

OMs, like SAAs and clones, are nice range toys. They're easier to load, but a hell of a heavy gun for 5 shots in the field.

NMs are good for hunting and trail carry, and I prefer the larger grip a bit. My finger gets stuffed up under the frame with the old SAA size grips.