Single Action Frame Sizes

[winman]

I'm getting interested in Ruger single actions and am wondering about the different frame sizes. I have a Single Six and a Super Blackhawk which I assume are the smallest and the biggest, but what all those other models? Are there other frame sizes in between or do they all use the same frames as the Single Six and the SBH? Thanks.   

[BlkHawk73]

 The Single Six models, both those in .22 caliber and .32 caliber are built on the small cylinder frame.  The New Model flat top models and the New Vaquero models are built on a medium sized cylinder frame.  The Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk and Bisley all use the same cylinder frame, a larger one.  The Hunter models use the same sized frames as their named counterparts but use a different bbl thread size. 

[winman]

Good, Thanks. This is what I was looking for.

So all Blackhawks and Bisleys use the SBH size frame regardless of caliber, what about the old model Flattops and the Old Army?     

[Hank08]

Winman, if you want the truth, buy a book or join the Rugers collector's assn or get on their forum.  It's gotten complicated enough that few people understand just what frames go with what and the fact that there are small and large grip frames as well as small and large cylinder frames and a remake of the old .357 frame is confusing  Here you will get some good and some bad info and you won't know which is right.  You've already got some that I believe is wrong.
Just my suggestion.
H08

[winman]

Any particular book? I can probably track down the Ruger Collectors Assn. Thanks.

   

[BlkHawk73]

Winman, if you want the truth, Here you will get some good and some bad info and you won't know which is right.  You've already got some that I believe is wrong.

H08

  Could you please elaborate what part is wrong?

[Badnews Bob]

I am curious on this myself. Not to argue blkhawk just asking here.  My .44 SBH is longer than my .357mag , And then my .357 max is longer than my .44 SBH. Are they still considered the same frame even thou they are diffrent lengths? 

[BlkHawk73]

I am curious on this myself. Not to argue blkhawk just asking here.  My .44 SBH is longer than my .357mag , And then my .357 max is longer than my .44 SBH. Are they still considered the same frame even thou they are diffrent lengths? 

  If your .357 is a NMBH (non flat top) it would be the same size as a NMSBH.  The SRM (max) is an animal all to itself as that one does have a longer frame to accommodate the longer cylinder.  Unfortunatly...no longer in production

[BlkHawk73]

http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=63089
 

[Badnews Bob]

Thanks 

BTW I love my Maximums I have a mint 7.5" and a slicked up 10.5 scoped model. Sweet revolvers.

[winman]

Blkhawk thanks for that link to the Ruger Forum thread. That really has a lot of good info.

[BlkHawk73]

  You're very welcome.  LOTS, heck, anything you need Ruger, that's the forum to go to.
  Still awaiting Hank's response as to what I said initially was incorrect...

[Hank08]

Sorry Blkhawk73, I posted several days ago, it was here then dissapeared.  The thing that I thought wasn't right was the size of the new Vaqueros. I know the grip frames have been thinned 1/16" but when I weighted a 5 1/2" old Vaquero in .45C it was just a hair over 1 oz. heavier than the new Vaquero in same barrel length and caliber.  I thought this was due to the thinning of the grip frame but maybe the cylinder frame is smaller but then seems it should weigh less than it does.  I've measured the cylinder of the new Vaquero .45C and it's slightly smaller in diameter than the old one but the outside wall thickness of the chamber is the same.  Ruger just moved the chambers closer together.  I certainly wish Ruger would list all their various frame sizes and calibers.  I'm still confused.
H08

[BlkHawk73]

  Remember, the grip frames and ejector rod housing on the New vaqueros are steel as opposed to the aluminum ones on the Vaqueros.  While fractional as far as weight, the NV's also have the internal locking system.

I certainly wish Ruger would list all their various frame sizes and calibers.  I'm still confused.

  Actually pretty straight forward one it's understood. 

[Hank08]

There may have been some blue Vaqueros with aluminum ejector housing but every Vaquero i've ever seen old or new blue or SS has had steel ones.  The ones I weighted were both stainless and all steel.
H08

[Hank08]

Just reread your post, no Vaquero ever had an aluminum grip frame from the factory.
H08

[jcn59]

So does the Old Army have the same length frame as the .357 Maximum?

[Hank08]

Don't think so but it's a different frame altogether.
H08

[GatCat]

So does the Old Army have the same length frame as the .357 Maximum?

But....the grip frame of the Old Army is interchangeable with the NMBH & NMSBH. It's one way to replace alloy grip frames, with either the blued steel, or Stainless steel.
Mark

[Badnews Bob]

Or brass if ya like that.

[Hank08]

The grip frames all interchange.  If you want a nice light gun to pack, replace the steel grip frame with an alloy one and save about 1/2 pound.  Brownell's, I think, still has some, cheap too compared to the steel ones.
H08

[flatgate]

I see a few errors in this thread.  The 50th Anniv. .357's, New Vaqueros and Flattop .44 Specials share the same cylinder frame and cylinder dimensions that were first introduced on the original .357 Blackhawks back in 1955.  The 50th Anniversary .44 magnum Flattop is a copy of the original .44 magnum Blackhawk Flattop introduced in late 1956 which was developed with a "large" sized cylinder frame and cylinder. The large cylinder frame has been in use across the board for the New Model Blackhawks, Super Blackhawks and large calibre Bisleys.

The Old Army is unique in design.  The Old Army grip frames are "Old Model" components and won't interchange with a New Model grip frame unless one is adapt at making some changes in the trigger spring and cylinder latch spring areas.  The Old Army grip frames were aluminum from '72 up until sometime in the mid 1990's when they were changed to investment cast steel. (Stainless Old Armys excepted, of course.)

One can, however, adapt a New Model grip frame to an Old Model revolver by fabricating a simple adaptor to carry the OM trigger spring in the NM's trigger spring slot.

flatgate