rbernie
Contributing Member
I can't tell the difference between a 'new model' Blackhawk and a 'new model' Super Blackhawk from the Ruger website. Can anyone give me a quick primer on this?
BH vs. SBH?
- Thread starter rbernie
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Ruger Redhawk
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The main difference is the SBH is a 44mag where the BH's are 357,41mag, 45 Colt plus other calibers.All these Ruger's are fine guns.They are available in Blued or S/S.These are single actions.They all come with adjustable sights.I beleive the frame is a tad big bigger on the SBH.Depending what you're looking for.For hunting I prefer the RH and the SRH's since they are double action.
Ruger Redhawk
Ruger Redhawk
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rbernie
Contributing Member
Do you know if the frame is the same size, or if the SBH is bigger in some dimension than the BH?
Ruger Redhawk
Member
rbernie. Like I mentioned in my previous post I think the SBH is a tad bigger.If any, it's not much.Looking at grips for these they use different numbers,telling me they have different grip frames if nothing else.I might suggest going to the www.Rugerforum.com and root around.Chances are you'll find your answer.Lately they haven't been accepting new members.That may have change by now.They are a bunch of good people and enjoy helping.These guys know their Ruger's.
Ruger Redhawk
Ruger Redhawk
RCL
Member
Basically, the frames on the Blackhawk and SuperBlackhawk are identcal. The main difference between the two models are the grip frames, followed by differences in the cylinders, barrels, hammers, etc. to accommodate different models and calibers.
This does not take into account Old Models, or the New, New Models. They are different animals yet.
This does not take into account Old Models, or the New, New Models. They are different animals yet.
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Fiveshooter
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Grip Frames
Unless the SBH has the "Hunter" grip frame or the square backed trigger guard it may indeed be exactly the same grip frame as the BH. I know this is a fact on the 4 5/8" barreled stainless steel SBH. On the short barreled SBH the difference is caliber, non-fluted cylinder and a different hammer.
Unless the SBH has the "Hunter" grip frame or the square backed trigger guard it may indeed be exactly the same grip frame as the BH. I know this is a fact on the 4 5/8" barreled stainless steel SBH. On the short barreled SBH the difference is caliber, non-fluted cylinder and a different hammer.
The frames are the same on the BH and SBH as well as the Bisley. Chamberings differ as do the grip frames. however, it's not cast-in-stone that only SBH's are.44 mags. All centerfire Hunters are SBH's even though some were made in .41 mag and .45LC. The grips are also different. there's the BH grip, the SBH grips (round) and the SBH grip (square) and the Hunter grip. Grip Frames Some SBh's are available with unfluted cylinders as well. Except for the chambers, the fluted cylinders are the same too.
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rbernie
Contributing Member
Super info - thanks, folks...
happy old sailor
Member
difference??? go to Rugers web site and they will most likely have something to suit you. all are sturdy guns and perform as advertised. there are big ones and little ones in a variety of calibers. they are a good choice
Stainz
Member
One other difference - the hammer. The SBH hammer is a one hander's delight, very similar to the Bisley. You can check your aim without cocking the hammer, not possible with the BH hammer. The SBH hammer is a 'drop-in' replacement for the BH, where the Bisley needs some 'fitting' on it's non-functional backside. Also, the blued BH's did use Al gripframes, where the SS's are always steel gripframes.
One other gripframe is available... if you do it yourself. Last spring I fitted a QPR BHG to my new 4.6" SBH - wow! I use it mainly for .44 Russians and Specials, as it rolls nicely with recoil... hot Magnums may leave it's muzzle in a less friendly position!
Stainz
One other gripframe is available... if you do it yourself. Last spring I fitted a QPR BHG to my new 4.6" SBH - wow! I use it mainly for .44 Russians and Specials, as it rolls nicely with recoil... hot Magnums may leave it's muzzle in a less friendly position!
Stainz
JNewell
Member
I think the posts on SBH vs BH grip frames above may be a bit confusing.
Since the New Models were introduced in 1972/73, all Blackhawks (with the exception of a couple of special models) have had the XR3-RED[esigned] grip frame. It's not the same as the redesigned "Dragoon" (i.e., square-backed trigger guard) for the Super Blackhawks. However, not all Super Blackhawks are shipped with the Dragoon grip frame, which has a larger grip, and a different amount of space between the rear of the trigger guard and the front strap of the grip frame. SBHs with rounded trigger guards have the same grip frame as a BH. SBHs with the squared trigger guards have a different, larger grip frame than the BHs.
Check here for a link with pictures
Since the New Models were introduced in 1972/73, all Blackhawks (with the exception of a couple of special models) have had the XR3-RED[esigned] grip frame. It's not the same as the redesigned "Dragoon" (i.e., square-backed trigger guard) for the Super Blackhawks. However, not all Super Blackhawks are shipped with the Dragoon grip frame, which has a larger grip, and a different amount of space between the rear of the trigger guard and the front strap of the grip frame. SBHs with rounded trigger guards have the same grip frame as a BH. SBHs with the squared trigger guards have a different, larger grip frame than the BHs.
Check here for a link with pictures
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rbernie
Contributing Member
Thanks for the link., from the write-up, it sounds like I should try to get my wee-bit-longer-than-average mitts on a Bisley. The Vaquero that I handled the other day didn't have nearly enough room between the backstrap and trigger...
JNewell
Member
FWIW, I'm 6-5 and have pretty generous hands. I shoot heavy-recoiling handguns a fair bit. With that for background, I never really enjoyed shooting my SBH with heavy loads -- until I converted the grip frame to a Bisley. YMMV, but I think the Bisley grip frame is probably the best Ruger ever designed, at least for heavy loads. Further, in my opinion, the standard BH grip frame is not only the wrong shape but too short for good control...but as I said, YMMV.
Stainz
Member
Another interesting gripframe, now deleted from the '05 Ruger catalog, is the BHG (Bird's Head Grip). This round, almost ball-like, grip typically has Micarta stocks, so it rotates, or 'rolls' easily in your one hand grip under recoil. I started with a SS 4.6" Vaquero in .45 Colt so-equipped. I fitted a SS Bisley hammer to aid one-hand use. Not a particularly accurate gun, obviously due to the Vaquero's fixed sight, it is a fun piece. Heavy recoil causes excessive 'rolling', so it is not a great candidate for the heaviest .45 Colt loads, although the gun and grip would take it. I wanted a .44 Russian/Special version - with adjustable sights.
I had to make my .44 BHG. I ordered a QPR BHG kit - and bought a new 4.6" SS SBH. The combo is super! I have shot some of my 'wimpy' .44 Magnums - actually barely over 900fps 240gr LSWC's, just Specials in Magnum cases. Yep, it rolls a bit. Hot Magnum loads would result in the muzzle aiming skyward - or back! The adjustable sights help with my wide variation in ammo. The ball-like grip is a fun and quick grab with my medium-large hands. The Bisley is still the best for larger grips - and recoil.
Your best bet is to try a BH/SBH; Bisley/Bisley-Hunter/Bisley-Vaquero; and even a BHG - hopefully, all from a well stocked Ruger dealer. QPR & Brownell's are great sources for BHG and Bisley gripframe conversion kits, should you not find exactly what you want. I still want a 4.6-5.5" SBH with a Bisley grip...
Stainz
I had to make my .44 BHG. I ordered a QPR BHG kit - and bought a new 4.6" SS SBH. The combo is super! I have shot some of my 'wimpy' .44 Magnums - actually barely over 900fps 240gr LSWC's, just Specials in Magnum cases. Yep, it rolls a bit. Hot Magnum loads would result in the muzzle aiming skyward - or back! The adjustable sights help with my wide variation in ammo. The ball-like grip is a fun and quick grab with my medium-large hands. The Bisley is still the best for larger grips - and recoil.
Your best bet is to try a BH/SBH; Bisley/Bisley-Hunter/Bisley-Vaquero; and even a BHG - hopefully, all from a well stocked Ruger dealer. QPR & Brownell's are great sources for BHG and Bisley gripframe conversion kits, should you not find exactly what you want. I still want a 4.6-5.5" SBH with a Bisley grip...
Stainz
JNewell
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