Ruger Single Action confusion, how many variations?

[DMK]

We have the flattops, 50th anniversery editions, old models, new models, new, new models. Man it's confusing. They should have used something the MkI, Mk II, MkIII like they did on their 22 autos.

So how many models do we have and what's the difference?

Here's what I understand them to be:

Blackhawk:

"Flat Top" (original model, no hammer block, can't be carried with 6 rounds)

"Old model" (another way folks reference the Flattop or was this the first large frame model?)

"New Model" (Mid 70's variation with hammer block, can be carried with 6 rounds, larger frame?)

"50th Anniversery" (Has hammer block, but with smaller frame of original)

Vaquero:

"Vaquero" (Original, based on larger framed Blackhawk but with fixed sights and hammer block)

"New Vaquero" (based on smaller framed Blackhawk but with fixed sights and hammer block)

Am I close?

 

[Wil Terry]

Close...

The " 3-screw " came after the flattop and before the NEW MODEL's. The terminology ' old model ' is not used by the true connysewer in the way you noted.
QUIZ AND REVIEW IN THE MORNING ;DO NOT DISAPPOINT ME THIS TIME.
DISMISSED.

 

[rcmodel]

The "flat-top" .357 had no rear sight protection ears on the frame and had an X3RED grip frame. It was a 3-screw. And it had a steel, real Micro brand rear sight.

The "old-model" .357 did have sight ears, was also a 3-screw, had a slightly larger frame, and had a differnet X3 grip frame that most folks didn't like as well. It had an aluminum Ruger rear sight.

The "new model" was the "old model" with the transfer bar safety, two pins instead of three screws, loaded differently, and a much worse trigger pull.


rcmodel

 

[Jim March]

"50th Anniversary" (Has hammer block, but with smaller frame of original)

Only on the 357 model. The 50th Anniversary 44Mag is a large-frame same as all other post-'73 Blackhawks, but with with a "flattop" topstrap.

The New Vaq and 50th 357 are basically the same gun built on the same assembly line, same build quality (very good!), just differing finishes, topstraps and front sights.

Ruger doesn't use hammer block safeties - they use transfer bars.

The "Old Models" are also known as "three screws" for their triple frame cross-pins. Stock, they had no transfer bar, but retrofit kits are available. The first "Old Model" was the small-frame 22 (Single Six) followed by the mid-frame 357s. A large-frame older model followed (SuperBlackHawk). When the New Model first shipped in '73 the mid-frame was dropped and everything was built on a two-screw transfer-bar SuperBlackHawk large-frame.

The mid-frame size didn't come back until 2005, with the New Vaq and 50th 357. These are still two-screw, transfer-bar guns and are still "New Model" series.

The only Ruger SA left with the "Old Model" innards is the percussion Old Army.

 

[Gator]

Darn double post

 

[Gator]

Ruger frames are confusing, here's a good article on the grip frames.

 

[Timthinker]

Do not forget about the Ruger Single-Six. We might as well list all of their single-actions.


Timthinker

 

[DMK]

Thanks for the info folks. I'm still confused, but at least I can subscribe to this thread and look it up.

Great link Gator. Thanks!

 

[BlkHawk73]

The New Model BH and the New Model SBH as well as the lg frame Bisley models all use the same cylinder frames also. The Bisley Vaqueros used the same cylinder frames as the Vaqueros.

 

[joab]

You forgot Super Black Hawks

 

[Jim March]

You forgot Super Black Hawks

That's the "SBH" references.

 

[joab]

A large-frame older model followed (SuperBlackHawk). When the New Model first shipped in '73 the mid-frame was dropped and everything was built on a two-screw transfer-bar SuperBlackHawk large-frame.

Missed it completely

 

[campbell]

And in addition to standard blued Bisleys, there's the runs of stainless Bisleys they've done for Acusport. 5.5'' barrels in a variety of calibers.