Is a SA Blackhawk right for me?

[Niel4]

My only large frame wheel gun (out of 12) is a Ruger GP100 which I like a lot.

I am not a hunter and shoot mostly at the range for fun. My carry gun is an XDM - 9mm and I keep a Beretta 32 Inox Tom Cat as a car gun (while I try and perfect my abilities with a recently aquired S&W model 36)

I do not own a SA revolver and have never shot one. However, I have an interest in a 50th Anniversary Edition Blackhawk 357 ($359).......just because I'd like to add it to my collection (to shoot not to keep as a keep sake per se) and for a bit of nastalga.

I hesitate a bit because I'm not sure this is a range type gun....is it? Are single actions used mostly by hunters / cowboy gun collectors?

Interested in your opinions as I am a newbie to guns in general. I only bought my first one last November.

 

[HammerBite]

I have an interest in a 50th Anniversary Edition Blackhawk 357 ($359).......just because I'd like to add it to my collection ...

That's the only justification you need.

I hesitate a bit because I'm not sure this is a range type gun....is it? Are single actions used mostly by hunters / cowboy gun collectors?

The gun will neither know nor care what you are shooting at or where you are shooting. Various firearm types may be considered to be optimal for different types of shooting, but so what? Buy what you like and shoot what you like.

If you ever ever get deeply into a particular shooting discipline, and good enough for the gun to make a difference, then worry about which is the best gun for that discipline.

 

[McCall911]

What HammerBite said, plus any revolver in .357 is very shootable IMO. I've owned several and I'll probably own more. You can always use .38 Special and shoot it all day.

 

[goodtime]

You don't own a single action revolver -- what a great reason to get one! They ARE fun to shoot at the range. As HammerBite pointed out, you've already asserted solid reasons to get the Blackhawk. So, to answer your question directly . . . there's no reason not to get the Blackhawk (as opposed to another gun.) You'll be glad you did.

 

[Gary A]

While you might read my comments, you might also do well to ignore them. Be careful. Be very careful. You may be opening the door to an addiction as unbreakable as it is enjoyable. I began with DA revolvers, migrated to semi-autos, and then became seduced by SA revolvers. A single-action revolver feels in my hand like no other handgun and its operation just feels "right" to me. So much so, that against the wisdom of many, my primary go-to HD revolver(s) are Blackhawk convertibles loaded with .45acp defensive rounds. Not being totally insane, I also have a shotgun and a .45 semi-auto available, but my first reach is for a 4 5/8 inch Blackhawk. My DA revolvers languish in the safe (I won't be rid of them) and I'm really no longer interested in semi-autos (I have the .45s for the caliber, not the platform). You may not become as entranced as I, but be warned: single-actions can become very addictive. Enjoy that 50th Blackhawk. It's a fine revolver.

 

[Gryffydd]

I would venture to say that it's a perfect range gun. All of the shortcomings of a SA revolver start to vanish when you're talking range use. Slow reloads/fire rate don't matter. They're accurate, fun, durable, and almost infallibly reliable.

As Gary says, they can truly be the most enjoyable shooting experience.

 

[nulfisin]

I have that gun in .44. Great piece. Shoots very well and built like a tank. I don't like the way the trigger guard slaps my finger with .44 mag rounds, but that's probably not a problem with .357s and definitely not with 38s. Great purchase.

 

[BlkHawk73]

30 or 40 Ruger single actions here of which only a couple are really ones I hunt with. The rest either a range plinker or safe queen.

 

[Gryffydd]

BlkHawk73, I think you're disqualified for being biased

 

[MCgunner]

I've got a couple of Blackhawks. I traded a Security Six for my .357 Blackhawk and am much happier with the Blackhawk. I started out shooting a single action .22 at age 16, so that's been 41 years of single action shooting.

One thing, at the range, loading is more time consuming between cylinder fulls. But, heck, could be worse. I do have a Ruger Old Army, too.

 

[Old Fuff]

I agree with the others, and I started shooting Ruger Single Actions with an original .357 Blackhawk "flat top" that I bought brand new, and still have.

They make an excellent handgun for informal target shooting, especially with relatively inexpensibe .38 Special's. CDNN Sports (www.cdnnsports.com) is currently selling them for $360.00 (less one cent) and in today's market that is a super buy. With well over a half-century of experience I recommend it highly.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A single-action revolver, with its solid frame (especially those of the Rugers, which are actually overbuilt for the cartridge) and cylinder pivot pin running the full length of the cylinder, is far stronger than any double-action. Simply dropping a DA can spring the crane/yoke enough to prevent the cylinder from turning or being opened, disabling it.

 

[sig220mw]

I agree with Gary A. Prepare to be addicted if you get a single action. There is something about them. I've had several and sold or traded them off but regretted it almost immediately and eventually got another one. My first was a Virginian Dragoon from interarms in 45 colt which I later traded for a Ruger Bisley 45 colt. 3 revolver trades and or sales later I'm back to a Ruger Bisley 45 colt and waiting for the new Ruger 44 special I ordered in Oct. Neither of these will be traded or sold and I wouldn't hesitate to use either for self defense though the Bisley is rather large for carrying. The 44 however will be one that I'll be able to carry if I want. I'm just really getting antsie waiting for it to come in.

 

[W.E.G.]

Everybody needs at least one of them "cowboy guns."

At that price, what's not to like?

 

[Niel4]

Thanks for the comments....i asked the same question in another forum and got basicaly the same responses.........I'm going to order it Wednesday.

It will come to about $400 w/ tax and FFL x-fer.......not bad for a new toy

 

[Gryffydd]

Everybody needs at least one of them "cowboy guns."

While I agree with you wholeheartedly, I think it's important to point out that modern Blackhawks have some nice improvements on your typical "cowboy guns". Transfer bars, adjustable sights, added strength and such. It's still a single action revolver, but it's come a long way since the 1870s.

 

[Legionnaire]

I'm going to order it Wednesday.

Good decision. My Single-Six and Super Blackhawk (.44) are two of my favorite range guns. They are also great for introducing new shooters. You won't be disappointed!

 

[kanook]

I hesitate a bit because I'm not sure this is a range type gun....is it? Are single actions used mostly by hunters / cowboy gun collectors?

You gotta use it at the range to make sure you can use it for hunting. Same goes for if you use it for CAS. My most accurate handgun is a single action

 

[roaddog28]

Its a great revolver to add to your collection. You won't be sorry other than you will want more after the first one you buy.

Good luck,
roaddog28

 

[MCgunner]

It will come to about $400 w/ tax and FFL x-fer.......not bad for a new toy

Yeah, and especially when you consider the strength and quality of the gun you're buying. You could have gone for a Freedom Arms and got a bit better quality, line bored, flawless fit and finish (not that the Blackhawk isn't close!), but I've found Blackhawks to be as accurate as the shooter is and 1000 dollars less money than a FA. You just can't beat 'em for the money with about anything else, IMHO.

We will require pictures and a range report, ya know.

 

[Coyote3855]

I agree with the others, and I started shooting Ruger Single Actions with an original .357 Blackhawk "flat top" that I bought brand new, and still have.

Interesting. An original .357 Blackhawk "flat top" was my second centerfire handgun. A Single Six was my second rimfire. My recommendation is to go for the 4 5/8" barrel as mine is the 6 1/2." I didn't, and still don't, carry it very much because I'm 5'7" and 150 pounds and the 6 1/2" is just not as handy as, say, my 2 3/4" Speed Six. I think I bought the Blackhawk in 1962, so not quite 50 years for me.

Oh yeah, to the OP. Buy it, you'll love it.

 

[batmann]

A SA was good enough for the "Duke", it is good enough for you. LOL

 

[mohctep]

Super Blackhawks ROCK !

I own 2 Ruger Super Blackhawk.44 magnums [Wife stole one,and I had to get another],and I LOVE them.They are by far my most fun handguns to shoot,IMHO.

 

[Marty183]

I started with just a Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter in 44 Rem Mag and now I own it's little brother, a Ruger Single Six 22lr in stainless with a 6.5" barrel. Once you purchase one, you will want another. It's a sickness...But, I love it.

So, go ahead and buy that 357 Blackhawk, you'll be glad you did.

 

[ilmonster]

I have only two revolvers, a GP-100 like you and a year ago bought a Ruger SuperBlackhawk in .44 Mag. I like you only shoot handguns indoors at inanimate objects and really like the SA Superblackhawk. I shoot mostly .44 Spcl. through it, and its fun to see really big holes in the paper downrange. It is super accurate too. Last week I shot 4 shots into one big hole at 30'. I also just started reloading as .44 rounds are expensive from the store. No regrets in buying a SA Ruger to answer your question! They're cheap, fun to shoot and will last forever as Rugers in general are overbuilt.