Author Topic: Q? regarding OM blackhawk safety conversion. (Read 468 times)

silverback · « **on:** June 19, 2004, 09:05:49 PM »

Hey guys,

Can somebody explain to me the functional difference between a converted and unconverted 3 screw?

I understand they add a transfer bar? So it's safe with six?

how is the function and feel affected?

I picked up a .357 3screw quite cheap and am curious why the unconverted are more valuable.

Thanks.

Catfish · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2004, 01:19:24 PM »

When they put in the cinversion it`s just like the Newer model rugers. They will probibly put in a heaver trigger spring at the same time. From what I understand they send you back all your old parts so you can put it back to original. Yes the guns are safer. But I have 3 old 3 screws and will not have the bar put in them. I want them original and just carry them on an empty chamber. I figure that if I can`t get them with 5 shots I probibly won`t get them with 6. I would be very carefull who I let carry the gun if you don`t put in the transfer bar though.

Iowegan · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2004, 07:47:46 PM »

I have some OM's with the safety modification. I like the transfer bar because it allows a six-shooter to be carried as a six-shooter, not a five-shooter. I also have the OM parts should I decide to sell. The transfer bar safety mod doesn't devalue the gun as long as you keep the old parts. After Ruger installs all the new parts, you usually need to do a tuneup to revive the nice OM trigger pull.

Flint · « **Reply #3 on:** June 20, 2004, 08:35:14 PM »

The conversion makes the revolver ALMOST work like a New Model. The gun remains a 4 click gun, with half cock hammer position required to load, where the NM loads from hammer down by just opening the gate, releasing the locking bolt so the cylinder will turn, On an OM, converted or not, opening the gate does no other function than expose the rear of the cylinder. The conversion would, as mentioned, need a trigger job etc if you want it tuned for smoothness. The springs are harder, and the new base pin has a spring and plunger in it like the NM guns to push the transfer bar back so it won't hit the firing pin as it raises (stopping the gun) As long as you have the original parts available for the gun, no value is lost, but a converted gun without the original parts (in a bag or otherwise) will not be worth as much, to a collector.

silverback · « **Reply #4 on:** June 21, 2004, 09:56:51 AM »

OK, thanks guys.

I got a convertible .357/9mm 4 5/8 3 screw for $200, without the original parts, and was mostly wondering if there is any difference in number of clicks/ smoothness of the action and why the originals go for so much more money.

I don't have any experience with traditional sixguns so for me the transfer bar is a positive thing, the action seems very smooth on this one, and it locks up tighter than my new model with a belt mountain pin.

It's about 97-98% condition, no turn line, just a bit of wear on the front sight. I think it was reblued at the factory so collector value isn't an issue.

So I'm happy.

Do the belt mountain pins fit both old and new or is there a special pin I need to order? do the pins make as much difference in the old models as the new? If they do it'll lock up like a FA.