Author Topic: Need clarification on old Ruger Super Blackhawk (Read 617 times)

Redhat · « **on:** March 16, 2005, 05:21:38 AM »

Hello all,

I haven't posted here before but have been a reader for quite some time.

I have an old Ruger Super Blackhawk .44Mag that I got from my Dad years ago. I called Ruger with the ser number and they said it was made in '67. It has the 7.5" Bbl and no transfer bar safety.

Could anyone tell me if this is the "3 screw" or "Flat top model"?

Thanks

Steve P · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2005, 06:01:05 AM »

What, no pictures?

Three screw models have, you guessed it, three screws in the action. The new models have pins. So, you you look at the side of you revolver when laying on one side, and see three indents, and then look at the other side and see three slotted screw heads, you have a three screw model.

The newer models have a machined step on the front of the top strap right behind (and over) where the barrel screws in. The old flat tops had, you guessed it, a flat surface all the way across. No machined in step.

If your gun was built in '67 and does not have the transfer bar safety, I be confident in saying you have a three screw gun. I think that is a little new to be a flattop.

Keep it!! Money can never replace a gift from Dad!!

Steve

Redhat · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2005, 06:12:17 AM »

Thanks

I wasn't sure what the difference was between the flat top and 3 screw. The pistol has a lot of holster wear, but the bluing looks much nicer that the current finish found on modern Rugers. My Pop bought it used when he lived in Alaska, and not being much of a gun guy, he gave it to me when he moved back to the lower 48...and of course ...it isn't going to be for sale

The folks at Ruger wanted me to send it to them for installation of the transfer bar but I elected to just keep it as is and only load 5 rounds

Thanks again

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 16, 2005, 08:07:42 AM »

Way to go Redhat. Steve P is right, you can't replace a gift from dad nor can you replace that revolver. If yours is like mine, another '67 vintage SBH, it has the prettiest blueing you'll ever see on a Ruger. Mine would give a good Python a run for it's money in that department. I think '62 was the last Flat Top. Good Luck with it. Walt :grin:

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2005, 09:39:09 AM »

Ooooppps!! Funny what an old mind can do to you. After I just checked, my SBH is a '72, last of the three screws. My first SBH that I purchased while in Uncle Sam's service was a '67. In a terrible, weak moment I let that one get away from me. I soon realized what I'd done and found the current used one to replace it. Sorry 'bout that. :oops: :oops: :oops: , Walt

Flash · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2005, 12:46:42 PM »

RedHat, The Flat Top is identified by the small dove tailed rear sight that is without any side rails that the adjustable sight lays in. They are quite easy to identify and were made from 1955 to 1963.

Catfish · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2005, 05:19:23 PM »

Redhat,
I bought one in 1966 and will not have the transfer bar put in it eather. Just rember to load only 5 rounds and carry it on the open chamber. I learned that the hard way when my RBH .357 fell on the hammer and shot out a window. No one was hurt, but I sure wish someone had told me to carry it on an open cylinder.

Flint · « **Reply #7 on:** March 19, 2005, 08:47:34 AM »

There was no Flattop Super Blackhawk, the Super replaced the Flattop. The major changes were the protected rear sight, unfluted cylinder and the deeper squareback steel triggerguard. It would be a 3-screw SBH.

Blackhawk44 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 21, 2005, 02:03:36 PM »

Flint is right on. Flattop .44 was made from 1957 to 1963 when the Super Blackhawk arrived. Easy identifiers- Flattops, standard blue finish, fluted cyclinders, aluminum grip frames, have no side protection for rear sight, sight marked Micro and grip very much like Colt SAA (XR3). These were offered in 6.5", 7.5" and 10.5" barrels. 7.5" hardest to find. Super has raised ribs to protect rear sight, sight unmarked (Ruger built), unfluted cylinders, much longer grip frame of steel and very high polish finish. Early Supers came in a fitted wooden boxes. 7.5" barrels only until much later, then some 10.5". Both are "3 screw" or Colt SAA type actions. The "New Models" with transfer bars (and only two pins) were introduced in 1973 and both Blackhawks and Supers converted at that time. Ruger also dropped the ".357 size" frame at that time and built .357's on the .44 frame until the "New" Vaquero and commemerative Flattop this year.