Author Topic: What do you think of the Ruger NMBH (50th) 357Mag (Read 2924 times)

gcrank1 · « **on:** October 06, 2010, 08:24:49 AM »

I have a chance at one of these, fired but excellent, private sale $450.
Good gun? Fair price?

PawPaw · « **Reply #1 on:** October 06, 2010, 08:52:06 AM »

the 50th anniversary edition was a remake of the Flat-top, which is held in esteem by single-action guys. Some said that it is exactly the right size for the .357 magnum cartridge. I'd think that $450.00 might be a fair price if the condition of the revolver warrants it. What size is the barrel?

gcrank1 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 06, 2010, 09:29:09 AM »

Condition= immaculate, low number of rounds through it, probably mostly cast bullets as I know the chap well.
Length is that 4 5/8ish (I dont know if that revolver came in any choice of barrels), which is a length that suits me for an all rounder (and will fit my holsters).
Im not big on commemoratives/anniv. models, etc., but if one doesnt cost more than a std. model, why not? Ive been out of the market for so long that I just dont know what real world prices are (though I see what Cabela's has online, or GunBroker with -0- bids). That price as private sale and no shipping, etc. seems OK if a guy wants to have that much wrapped up in a HD Ruger.

BlkHawk73 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 06, 2010, 12:03:52 PM »

Seems quite high to me. $375-400 is more realistic. I know I didn't pay close to $475 for either of mine.

tacklebury · « **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2010, 01:37:29 PM »

Sounds a bit high used. I just check davidson's and you can get a Stainless 5.5" for $508 in my location out the door with tax, and that 's brand new with a lifetime replacement warranty included.

Think I'd look some more. 4-5/8" is a barrel size that's available on some models, but I like my 5.5 and it balances very well.

***edit***

Adding link to the sale if you want to check it out.

You will need to click the instant quote to get the price at your dealer and change the zipcode for your location.

http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/Default.aspx?item=KBN44-C&mfg=Ruger&mdlno=Blackhawk

jimster · « **Reply #5 on:** October 06, 2010, 01:59:45 PM »

I've been looking for those around here, I like the 50th aniv. model for a couple of reasons, grip frame is the all steel older model grip frame, looks like the ejector rod housing is steel as well. I've seen two different 50th models...one has a bunch of gold on it, the other is plain without the fancy stuff, I'm looking for a plain one. The one with all the gold on it is way too gawdy for me. If I found one locally that was used in like new condition, I think I'd try to get it for that out the door (tax and all) or close to it. Sales tax is a bummer, you at least won't pay that in a private sale. You can get a regular blackhawk, but the blued models are not all steel, you would need to go stainless for that.
My vote is for the 50th anniv. blued all steel flat top with the older model grip frame.

tacklebury · « **Reply #6 on:** October 06, 2010, 05:05:43 PM »

The XR3-RED grip frames on the New Model Blackhawk have been alloy a long time. Many people will install steel, stainless or brass grip frames and some also switch them to Bisley style. Also the stainless Blackhawks have the stainless grip frame.

Axehandle · « **Reply #7 on:** October 08, 2010, 05:01:29 AM »

Fine little guns. Last time I looked they were $399 NIB around here in North Alabama.

Swampman · « **Reply #8 on:** October 08, 2010, 05:31:13 AM »

I had one and it was the most accurate Ruger I ever owned.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 08, 2010, 07:00:58 AM »

Well gents, it probably comes as no surprise that I now have it. As said in the movie,"good trade'.
It is a well made chunk 'o steel, and for its size pretty hefty. Im a light to middlin' cast bullet load shooter (I shoot for fun) so it aint going to get shot loose in my lifetime.
Trigger pull is light enough (I have no pull gauge) and crisp.
With my aging eyes a wider rear notch would be nice (maybe I can get another blade to file on, its std, Micro).
I read the promo material with it and it is very similar to the 1st model Blackhawk in size and has the same steel grip frame (and steel ejector rod tube), the 'flattop' configuration and 4 5/8" barrel. I dont know how many were made but it was supposed to be an '05 model only.
And it has only the gold lettering on the barrel, not the 'too flashy for my taste' cylinder gold.
Swampy, my friend (also very good shot) said that it is extremely accurate, glad to hear you concur.

Swampman · « **Reply #10 on:** October 08, 2010, 07:43:03 AM »

They only made that smaller frame size for the .357 Blackhawk as far as I know. They did make a special run of .44 Specials in that frame size as well. The New Vaquero also has a small frame. Get your grips here

http://www.clccustomgrips.com/

John R. · « **Reply #11 on:** October 09, 2010, 03:49:33 PM »

A fiend of mine has one with the 4 5/8" bbl. and it is very accurate.

ironmikestid · « **Reply #12 on:** October 12, 2010, 02:51:26 PM »

I bought one of the 44 mags in the 50th anniv models. it has the smaller xr3 frame. I sent it to Mr. Harton in Houston to have some work done on it including shortening the bbl to 4 5/8ths or so. He is also putting on a new front site and checking throat, trigger job, etc.... It is done, the money sent,and I am waiting.

Swampman · « **Reply #13 on:** October 12, 2010, 03:39:33 PM »

The .44 Mag and the .357 Mag 50th share the same grip frame but the .44 Mag has the standard New Model Blackhawk frame.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 19, 2010, 12:17:38 PM »

Ive been taking it out about every couple of days and popping a few. The adj. sight was within a couple clicks of where I needed and this thing is a shooter! All Im using are 38Spl loads in mag cases with lead but it hangs right there and lays them in nice with the NRA 'bullseye hold'.
Ive no complaints with Ruger at this point in what they are offering with the NMBH series based on this gun.
Now, lets see, if I get a Bearcat for a pocket walk-about piece and a Bisley in 45........

Swampman · « **Reply #15 on:** October 19, 2010, 12:33:05 PM »

It's actually a different frame than the NMBH. They still make those too.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 19, 2010, 01:15:12 PM »

So, you are saying this revolver isnt part of the NMBH 'series'?

Swampman · « **Reply #17 on:** October 19, 2010, 01:17:46 PM »

I believe it's simply a Blackhawk. It does have a transfer bar though.

gcrank1 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 19, 2010, 02:29:15 PM »

Yes........and no,
On the revolver frame, lower left, under the cyl. "NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK"
In the booklet accompanying it,"The Ruger New Model 50th Anniversary Blackhawk......."
and," It is the very first New Model Blackhawk built around a 'midsize' cylinder and cylinder frame...."
etc.
However, on the cover I grant that it does say 'in the ribbon',"1955 BLACKHAWK 2005", as well as "50th YEAR BLACKHAWK" on the barrel top in gold.
And yes, it does have the transfer bar as all 'new models' as I understand it.
Now we all know way more than we probably wanted to.........
BTW, you are welcome at my fire anytime, Swampman.

flatgate · « **Reply #19 on:** December 05, 2010, 10:12:59 AM »

The 50th Anniversary .357 cal. Blackhawk features a few design changes that, at that time, were almost revolutionary with respect to Ruger's New Model Blackhawks. They are fitted with "free spin" pawls, that is the pawl cams back, away from the ratchet when the hammer is fully forward. A separate spring and plunger assembly, Ruger's "reverse indexing pawl" then comes into play by not permitting the cylinder to rotate in the reverse direction and is "timed" so that the chambers actually line up with the loading recess, something not seen on a Ruger Single Action since the demise of the Old Models in late '72/early '73. In addition, the grip frame is a "blast from the past" that emulates the size and feel of Colt's SAA and is made of investment cast steel instead of cast aluminum as was used on the .357 Blackhawks from '55 until the release of the 50th Anniv. model. Ruger's "New Vaquero" also has the new lockwork features and the steel, XR-3 grip frame that's utilized on the 50th Anniv. Blackhawks. And, yes a Mainspring strut "block" is included. Access is under the grips unless one wants to drill a hole in the right side grip panel.

flatgate

tjrod · « **Reply #20 on:** December 07, 2010, 05:02:17 PM »

Great gun. I love mine. $ 450 might seem high, but a private sale you save the taxes and all the other fees.

texagun · « **Reply #21 on:** December 08, 2010, 02:55:42 AM »

$450 seems to be a fair price for a 50th Anniversary Model in today's market. A year ago CDNN was selling them new-in-the-box for $349. They had bought a large inventory of them after the gun had been discontinued by Ruger. When CDNN ran out of them, the prices began to escalate. Gun show prices around here went from $350 to around $450 for unfired guns in the box with all the papers. If you can find one, they are running around $450 now. Recently Cabela's came up with some of them and they are selling for $499. I saw them on display yesterday in the Ft. Worth store. They had both the .357 and .44 Mag models. I expect the value will continue to increase. I have enjoyed mine and intend to shoot it and try to wear it out. Quality seems to be excellent. The smaller frame makes it an excellent carry gun in the field.

encore4me · « **Reply #22 on:** January 05, 2011, 08:21:18 PM »

I have both the .44mag and the .357mag. I have never been a good shot with pistols but can do pretty good (for me) with the .44mag. But I cannot find a load my .357mag likes. I am using H110 in the .44 and have tried alot off different things in the .357. My next load might be some Trail Boss under a cast bullet. Any advice for a good load for this .357mag would be appreciated.

Thanks Matt

gcrank1 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 06, 2011, 04:23:29 AM »

Matt, Im a confirmed cast bullet shooter, and admit to having not tried 357M yet, and probably never will.
Mine shoots the readily available 38Spl. Wadcutter target loads great and a few old factory lead roundnose went where it was looking too.
It is a fine piece.
My new custom grips are on their way.