I was looking at a Ruger Blackhawk chambered in 45 Colt.... when looking for more information on Ruger's site, I see that the grip frame is made from aluminum. I have shot a 44 Superblackhawk with the steel frame. How long has the 45 been made from aluminum? Which would you prefer?
45 Blackhawk
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Standard blued Blackhawks have had aluminum grip frames since 1955. Only the stainless models (and rare exceptions like Buckeye convertibles) have steel grip frames. All Vaqueros, New Vaqueros and flat-tops have steel grip frames.
I usually prefer steel.
I usually prefer steel.
I prefer steel, a la, the .44 Spl BH.
That said, an aluminum grip frame would NOT stop me from buying it.
My EAA Big Bore Bounty Hunter .45 Colt has an aluminum grip frame.
The ONLY problem I have with it is that I can't touch it up with cold blue, if it gets scratched.
Charter Arms .44 special Bulldogs have used aluminum grip frames since the beginning. They kick a lot harder than a .45 colt BH (due to much lighter weight) and I've yet to break or crack one.
You can replace the grip frame with a brass or steel one, if you so desire.
I prefer steel, but don't mind aluminum. Nobody would think less of you, if you replaced it with steel. a steel grip frame can help with balance, since it adds a little weight to the grip.
That said, an aluminum grip frame would NOT stop me from buying it.
My EAA Big Bore Bounty Hunter .45 Colt has an aluminum grip frame.
The ONLY problem I have with it is that I can't touch it up with cold blue, if it gets scratched.
Charter Arms .44 special Bulldogs have used aluminum grip frames since the beginning. They kick a lot harder than a .45 colt BH (due to much lighter weight) and I've yet to break or crack one.
You can replace the grip frame with a brass or steel one, if you so desire.
I prefer steel, but don't mind aluminum. Nobody would think less of you, if you replaced it with steel. a steel grip frame can help with balance, since it adds a little weight to the grip.
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MCgunner
Member
My .45 is stainless. My .357 is blued. I kinda prefer the aluminum grip frame as it makes the gun lighter for carry. There is no stress to speak of on the grip frame. No need for it to be steel.
shootniron
Member
X 2 You ain't gonna break it....
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I "need" it to be steel and it has nothing to do with breakage. 
Coal Dragger
member
I'm with CraigC, the grip frame needs to be steel. Not from a durability standpoint, but for two reasons. One because for me, and I'm sure others can chime in, the steel grip frame seems to balance out the revolver better. Two it is aesthetically more pleasing to have the grip frame and frame actually have finishes that match.
Cocked & Locked
Member
This thread needs a picture of a .45 BH...even if mine does have an aluminum grip frame. 
I've noticed that this question has been asked quite a bit in the last month here. Here is something that will help you and others out, maybe it can become a sticky.
http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm
http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Agreed 100%! Aluminum is light and sometimes that is good. Steel balances better and on a blued gun, there ain't nothing better lookin'. IMHO, aluminum is acceptable if it is blasted and left bare or polished bright. I have this custom .44Spl flat-top that has an aluminum grip frame and that is ok for two reasons. One, because it's blasted and it closely matches the matte hard chrome finish of the rest of the gun. Two, because at the time the only steel grip frames available for these were of the XR3-RED pattern and I'd rather have an aluminum XR3 than a steel XR3-RED. However, my next one will have a steel Power Custom Colt-style grip frame.
The flat-tops are all steel but they don't weight 36oz. Gonna be at least 40oz. The large frame .45 with the aluminum grip frame and ejector housing weighs 36oz.
eastbank
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i had a three screw ruger .45 colt and due to money problems had to let it go,but as soon as i got back on my feet i bought this one a eary two pin serial number 46-03043 with 7.5" barrel and aux cylinder in .45 acp. i added real stag grips. with win 296 and a 250 hornady hp bullet it will kill any thing i need to kill,with four legs or two. eastbank.
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My Old Ruger I Bought New In 1971
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Looks like it.
Coal Dragger
member
Neat old Blackhawk, maybe a good candidate for some future TLC and a refinish.
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Nope, No refinish. It's going to stay like it is. And why yes, that's a Super
Blackhawk 44 mag hammer. I put that on about 1973. My hands are small
and it made cocking easer. I heat treated the frame to make the same
hardness as the cylinder per Dick Casulls instructions about 1973. Had the
barrel hard chrome lined. Been fired about 4,000 times. Action is better and
locks up tighter than a new one. Shot some very hot loads thru this back in
the early 1970's. Like 300 gr bullets at 1400 fps chronographed in this gun.
I'm 70 now and don't do that anymore.
Blackhawk 44 mag hammer. I put that on about 1973. My hands are small
and it made cocking easer. I heat treated the frame to make the same
hardness as the cylinder per Dick Casulls instructions about 1973. Had the
barrel hard chrome lined. Been fired about 4,000 times. Action is better and
locks up tighter than a new one. Shot some very hot loads thru this back in
the early 1970's. Like 300 gr bullets at 1400 fps chronographed in this gun.
I'm 70 now and don't do that anymore.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
I rather like the aluminum grip frame on the 4.62-inch Blackhawk. It cuts down on the tote weight and if I have need of the gun for anything except target shooting and general range duties, it won't be noticed. On longer guns, the steel frame does offset the top-heaviness and balance it a little better...but on the short ones, aluminum suits me just fine.
It use to bother me a little that those grip frames were aluminum but no more. I got over that quickly. My 3-screw .45 wore a brass SBH grip frame for a while and I just could not see any advantage. Besides the aluminum was lighter and a better fit for my small hands.
Cocked & Locked
Member
I'm guessing thats a black powder load making the smoke? Maybe just lots of Unique and bullet lube smokin'...I like it.
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It's a factory Black Dawg loaded by Goex with 37 grs Goex Black Powder.
Midway sells them. I got mine from Calelas.
Midway sells them. I got mine from Calelas.
Cocked & Locked
Member
thanks...looks impressive! 
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