westernrover
Member
- Joined
- May 4, 2018
- Messages
- 1,613
Want to pick up a Blackhawk in .357. I'm looking for Blued finish with a medium frame, but which one?
I understand the first 3-screw, flat top Blackhawks had medium-sized frames, the smaller "XR-3" grip frames, Micro-brand, steel, adjustable sights, and an action similar to Colts but with coil springs. The antique shop has one of these, but I want to carry it and it seems like the transfer bar is safer. I have a 3 screw Single Six, but I don't carry it so I never had to concern myself with whether the first "click" was enough to keep the hammer off the firing pin or that I should have an empty chamber.
I understand there's the 2005 "50th" Flattop model, which was also continued since as a Lipsey's special. I've read that was a .44 Special, but it seems to have come along in .357 at some point, with the medium-sized frame, smaller, steel "XR-3" grip frame and flat-top with an adjustable sight. Is that adjustable sight steel, similar to the Micro sights from the early flat tops?
Then there's the standard Blackhawk which since 1962 came with the larger, aluminum "XR-3 Red" grip frame and 'winged' top. I understand the adjustable sights are aluminum as well as the grip frame. But what's the history of the .357's frame size since 1973? Weren't the .357's made with the large frame at some point? When did they stop being offered in the large frame? Or are the current "standard" Blackhawks with winged sights in .357 still on the large frame?
I know this has been asked and answered a few times, but the answers I found with the search function were either unclear or proved to be mistaken.
I'm certain I want the medium-frame since I'm also certain about the .357 chambering and I see no point in the "super" Blackhawk frame for that cartridge. I doubt I want an early flat top or winged 3-screw for regular carry. So that leaves the Lipsey's flat-top, or a Vaquero unless the regular Blackhawks have gone to the medium frame.
I understand the first 3-screw, flat top Blackhawks had medium-sized frames, the smaller "XR-3" grip frames, Micro-brand, steel, adjustable sights, and an action similar to Colts but with coil springs. The antique shop has one of these, but I want to carry it and it seems like the transfer bar is safer. I have a 3 screw Single Six, but I don't carry it so I never had to concern myself with whether the first "click" was enough to keep the hammer off the firing pin or that I should have an empty chamber.
I understand there's the 2005 "50th" Flattop model, which was also continued since as a Lipsey's special. I've read that was a .44 Special, but it seems to have come along in .357 at some point, with the medium-sized frame, smaller, steel "XR-3" grip frame and flat-top with an adjustable sight. Is that adjustable sight steel, similar to the Micro sights from the early flat tops?
Then there's the standard Blackhawk which since 1962 came with the larger, aluminum "XR-3 Red" grip frame and 'winged' top. I understand the adjustable sights are aluminum as well as the grip frame. But what's the history of the .357's frame size since 1973? Weren't the .357's made with the large frame at some point? When did they stop being offered in the large frame? Or are the current "standard" Blackhawks with winged sights in .357 still on the large frame?
I know this has been asked and answered a few times, but the answers I found with the search function were either unclear or proved to be mistaken.
I'm certain I want the medium-frame since I'm also certain about the .357 chambering and I see no point in the "super" Blackhawk frame for that cartridge. I doubt I want an early flat top or winged 3-screw for regular carry. So that leaves the Lipsey's flat-top, or a Vaquero unless the regular Blackhawks have gone to the medium frame.