Got a hankering for a Ruger Blackhawk...

[Big D]

Hey yall. I've been drooling over Ruger Blackhawk's for some time now. I know I want a .357, and more than likely stainless. I've owned several Rugers over the years, so I know they build quality stuff. I now have two 9mm handguns, a S&W M&P9 and Ruger P95. Instead of paying the whopping $628 after taxes and fees at my LGS, I was thinking I might trade in my lightly used M&P against the Blackhawk, since I already have a reliable 9mm.

I thought me getting the M&P would make me toss the Ruger P95 to the curb, but I find I enjoy shooting it even more since buying the M&P.....go figure! Anyway, what do you think I could get for a trade against the Blackhawk? I have four mags for the M&P, and again it is lightly used. Also, what is the general consensus on the Blackhawk?

 

[arspeukinen]

Do not sell the M&P. Blackhawks are excellent, mine is in .44mag. The trigger is ok, not superb, the sights work but are not the best.
Blackhawks look übercool and are fun and accurate and tough and reliable. Loctite the bottom screw in front of trigger guard.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You can save a little over $60 if you buy from Bud's online. That price includes S&H.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_49_1814/Handguns/Ruger/Ruger+Revolvers
That might help you keep your M&P.

 

[Gary A]

As big a fan of the Ruger P95 as I am, be warned that even though it has only recently been discontinued, Ruger has apparently chosen to cease or at least minimize support for the pistol. For example, you cannot even order a recoil spring assembly (or its parts, like springs) from them. Your only option would be to send them the gun and hope they have kept some parts for repairs. You may never shoot the pistol enough to require new recoil springs, but if you do, you might be disappointed in the availability of some parts. Wolf gunsprings does not carry them. Great gun but disappointingly skimpy support now that it is out of production. Too bad, IMO.

 

[short barrel]

I learned through many eons of trading (which nearly always involves one of your guns and more money), that you are much better off money-wise to keep what you have and buy new. A hardship to just straight out buy a new gun, but it's a temporary hardship as opposed to the long term losses you will suffer by trading. Just saying.

 

[bannockburn]

If financially viable I would say hang on to what you already have and just buy the Blackhawk. I use to get "Newgunitis" and traded in or sold far too many decent guns (many of which I would love to have back), just to get something new. Save your up your money, see if you can put it on layaway if need be, but hang on to what you've already got.

 

[BLU]

Big D....

Short Barrel, bannockburn & I all agree. Trading for the gun is not the way to go... unless you really want to get rid of what you're trading in. I too have some 'trades' I'd love to have back in my safe. We're just saying... think it over and make the right choice.

I'm in the same position you are. I want a .45 Colt New Model Blackhawk Convertible so badly. I've considered selling my beloved pristine Ruger Mark I for one. I really love that MK I, (not to mention I promised it to one of my kids!). New-gun-itis.... I'm suffering from it now. :-(

 

[Big D]

Are the new production blued Blackhawks still outfitted with alloy or aluminum grip frames?

 

[BLU]

Model 0446 has an Aluminum grip. So does my Single-Six so I'm good with it on this Blackhawk too. As long as the weight is up front I don't think it will affect too much, do you? I have a Vaquero that is all stainless. Not sure how different the feel will be.

 

[dbmjr1]

I know nothing of the trade value of your pistol.

I do own two Blackhawks. A 6.5" .357, and a 7.5" .30 carbine. I shoot better with either of those Blackhawks than I shoot with any of my other revolvers.

They're very accurate. I love the triggers.

The .30 Carbine is a Hoot to shoot. It is a little loud though.

On my list is a convertible .45 cal Blackhawk.

 

[Tallball]

Get you that 45 convertible! I love mine. That 45acp ammo is so cheap and easy to find! Mine has the 7.5" barrel and way more accurate than I am.

 

[wf4933]

Big D
Don't get in a big hurry to trade or sell to have money to buy. Ask friends or contractor
"friends if they know or know of anyone who might have a handgun or handguns for sell
And go from there. I did that with my neighbor (a roofing contractor) and he had let a former employee borrow 200.00 with a 357 blackhawk as collateral a couple of years previous and he still had it in a drawer. He had never fired it. Surprisingly it was very clean. He said he would take 200.00 for it,I happily gave him 300.00. I do know someone who has a357 and 44 mag.Blackhawk that said he would consider selling. I have no idea what he would want though. Food for thought for what it's worth.
WFH

 

[Armybrat]

Keep your gun & buy a BH outright. You won't regret it.

Bought my .357 BH & San Antonio Leather rig new in 1968 for $80- still tight & a great shooter:

 

[swopjan]

Don't sell the guns you have if you still enjoy shooting them. And especially don't trade/sell them to the gun store. You'll be taking a hundred dollar beating on your trade-in and maybe be paying a hundred dollars more for the gun in their store than if you bought online on top of that.

Blackhawks are fun. Careful though because they can be addictive. I just put my 4th on layaway, soon I'll have a .32-20, a .357, a .44 special and a .44 magnum.

 

[BLU]

TallBall... there is no question that I will get me that BH Covertible in .45. The only question now is what barrel length feels and shoots the best AND is the most accurate.

 

[rduchateau2954]

I just traded my sr9c + $200 for 5 year old 7 1/2" bisley sbh with about 50 rounds through it.

 

[Tallball]

In general for most people, the longer the sight radius is, the more accurate the handgun is. To me it also seems like the longer barrels have less felt recoil. So I would suggest the longest barrel that balances well for you. The 7.5" feels great to me, but I am also an unusually large person.

 

[Jim NE]

I join with others in saying don't sell your current good working guns. I also join in saying .357 Blackhawks are worth owning. I haven't owned mine in decades, but it was sure a great gun. Wish I had it back. THAT'S what happens when you sell a nice gun!! Good luck.

 

[Big D]

Well, I orderd my very first Blackhawk in SS with the 4 5/8" barrel....can't wait to shoot her!

 

[rduchateau2954]

In general for most people, the longer the sight radius is, the more accurate the handgun is. To me it also seems like the longer barrels have less felt recoil. So I would suggest the longest barrel that balances well for you. The 7.5" feels great to me, but I am also an unusually large person.

Same here. I'll admit I was nervous lining up that first shot. Biggest I ever shot previously was a 6" .357. The big girl soaked it up beautifully. I put almost 125 240gr rounds through my 7 1/2" in the last two days, some of it one handed, with no problem or soreness. My shoulder can't say that 2 hours after 3 rounds of sporting clays.