Ruger Blackhawk or Bearcat FREE improvement

[button]

I just received my Ruger SR9c and in the paperwork there was a card that said if you own a Ruger Blackhawk or Bearcat revolver, Ruger wants to give you, and instal FREE, a unique new improvement. If you own a Ruger "Old Model" single action revolver. The Ruger Conversion Kit makes possible the factory installation of an entirely new operating system in these older revolvers. when installed, it can help prevent an accidental discharge caused by a blow to the hammer if the user has failed to take the basic safety precaution of keeping the hammer down on an empty chamber. Ruger would like all owners of these revolvers to have them equipped with this important new safety invention and will install the kit FREE of charge (other than initial shipping expenses to our Conversion facility). We will even send you a shipping box! What's more, you will get your original parts back for collector's purposes, and the frame and other major parts will not be affected by the conversion. NOTE: A Conversion kit is now available for Ruger Bearcat revolvers with serial numbers below 93-00000
address: Ruger Conversion department 411 Sunapee street Newport, new Hampshire 03773

Sorry I am trying to copy the card that was in my paperwork but having problems converting to jpeg so it can post on this site. I will keep trying, sorry for the delays, I tried to type all the info needed.

 

[W.E.G.]

Where have you been since 1973?

 

[ants]

Did you know that UNCONVERTED Ruger single action revolvers have become highly sought prizes!!!

 

[bigfatdave]

button, those cards are in every Ruger box, as far as I know.

The info is on Ruger's website HERE for recalls and safety upgrades. The option is there to convert to drop-safe more modern internals, as far as I understand it.

Here's a blatant cut & paste from the .pdf file available in the link I posted above:

The patented Ruger Conversion Kit is an
entirely new operating system for these
revolvers. It can help prevent accidental
discharges caused by a drop or blow to the
hammer if the user has failed to take the basic
safety precaution of keeping the hammer
down on an empty chamber. That’s very
important!
This mechanism can be factory-installed
without any further alteration. The frame and
other major parts will not be affected by this
Conversion. The value of the gun will not be
impaired, and we will return your original
parts for collector’s purposes.
To receive a free factory safety Conversion,
write to us at Sturm, Ruger and Company,
Inc.; Lacey Place, Dept. KC; Southport CT
06890. We will provide you with a shipping
container and instructions. You only pay ini-
tial shipping to our factory. We will cover all
other charges including return shipping costs.
Please write to us without delay if you have
one of these guns, and tell your friends about
the availability of this kit. Remember that the
safest way to carry any older single-action
revolver, regardless of manufacturer, is with
the hammer down on an empty chamber.
If your revolver has the words “New Model,”
“Bisley,” or “Vaquero” on the frame, this
offer is not applicable. Please write to us at:
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
Department KC
Lacey Place
Southport, CT 06890
for full details and a FREE shipping box.

And here's the executive overview from Ruger's FAQ:

Q: Why should I send my 'old model' revolver in for the free safety update?
A: The patented Ruger Conversion Kit is an entirely new operating system for these revolvers. It can help prevent accidental discharge by a drop or blow to the hammer if the user has failed to take the basic safety precaution of keeping the hammer down on an empty chamber. That's very important!

Ruger has had a few recalls in their time, but they at least own up and strive to improve their products ... and have great customer service. If there's any collectible value in these older SA revolvers, I'd imagine the conversion kills it ... but for a shooter-grade gun it is at least worth considering, if nothing else.

It never occurred to me to post a reminder, button ... but with the longevity of Ruger's products I bet there's at least one or two forum members or potential searchers who don't know about the upgrade offer.

 

[dwwright]

I sent in for that a couple of months ago, but have never heard a word from them. My dad has a bearcat that he'd like to have the conversion done on since he still carries the gun. They do send the original parts back for those that want to put those back on as mentioned in the pdf above.

 

[jakeiscrazy]

Why are uncovered ones so valued?

 

[MovedWest]

Why are uncovered ones so valued?

I can only speak for the SuperBlackhawks, but the overall design is more solid. Compare a 57 Chevy to a 77 Chevy and you'll get a better idea of what's going on. I own both New Models and Old Models (all unconverted) so my opinion is fairly unbiased.

The Old Models' mechanical innerds make it more precise to load and unload, as well as give a wonderful, crisp feel to the operation. That wonderful feeling goes away with the conversion or New Model design. Some people even say the feel of the trigger is compromised.

The old models are just a wonderful piece of steel... if left alone.

-MW

 

[ants]

Why are unconverted ones so valued?

I dunno, maybe if a safety recall conversion represents The Man protecting you from yourself, an unconverted revolver is a symbol of independence and manhood.

Or maybe most revolvers have been converted over the last 35 years, so an unconverted one is less common.

 

[madcratebuilder]

The unconverted revolvers have fewer moving parts giving it a smoother action.

 

[CajunBass]

The unconverted revolvers have fewer moving parts giving it a smoother action

.

Maybe so, but I can't tell much if any difference. I got this pair recently. The far one (five digit S/N) has been converted, the near one (six digit) hasn't. They were both made in 1958. Other than one having three "clicks" and the other four, I just can't feel much difference. No more than I might expect to find from just individual guns. I paid the same for both, although they were asking a few bucks more for the unconverted one. They're neither collector condition anyway, but they both lock up as tight as new, and shoot great.



I think I like the unconverted one better, but it may just be because I know it's unconverted. I'm sure not going to send it in to have it "fixed."

Where have you been since 1973?

He probably wasn't born in 1973.

 

[Ron James]

The conversion kit is a drop in installation, you still have the old parts if you decide to sell the gun. I converted my old { 1968 , Patridge sights } and then reconverted it back because I didn't like the feel. Took maybe 15 minutes.

 

[mjgonehunting]

Or just carry on an empty hole like they did for years!

 

[button]

Ok, everyone I thought this was important but as I read on, I guess not!!! Sorry to of waisted ya'lls time on this! This was my first Ruger and I never saw this before until I bought the SR9C. Pardon my ignorance, But since this sight is covered with people who own a Blackhawk, I thought I would pass on some important info! Then again in 1973 I was only 5. This is my first semi and I have always preferred the Old West style firearms and thought that the hammer always rested on an empty cylinder! You know, a no brainner. Ya'll have a good day and God Bless! Keep your powder dry and your wits sharp! later!!