Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt frames---

[Prince55]

Are some models of the Blackhawk frame in the .45 Colt cal.
stronger that others ? If so what are the years of Mfg. and is
it enough difference to really matter ?


Thanks

[Majic]

The newest model is built on a smaller frame and is not as strong.

[madcratebuilder]

I think all nmbh's in .45lc have the same frame. The "New Vaquero" has a smaller frame than the "Vaquero".

[WIL TERRY]

IT matters not whether it is the OLD MODEL [ 3-SCREW ] or the NEW MODEL.

[BlkHawk73]

The newest model is built on a smaller frame and is not as strong.

Nope. The New Vaquero is built on a medium sized cylinder frame while the Blackhawk is built on the large frame. The New vaquero is quite sufficient for any loads with SAAMI specs but for loads above those specs you'd need the Blackhawk. Of course if you need those heavier loads, why not simply buy a model of a more pwerful chambering to begin with. Otherwise it's like buying a Cavalier and trying to turn it into a Corvette. Buy the Vette instead.

[44 AMP]

Because caliber must be considered as well as the name. The Blackhawk, in .45 Colt (what is now called the old model or the 3 screw) was the gun with the heavy frame (and cylinder) that allowed the heavier than standard .45 Colt loadings to be safely used.

In 1973, Ruger changed the lockwork of the Blackhawk, and renamed it the "new model Blackhawk". The frame size and strength stayed the same. Most of the time the "new model Blackhawks" are just called Blackhawks, and the pre-1973 guns are called "old model" or "3 screw" by collectors and shooters.

When Ruger brought out the fixed sight "Vaquero" they used the frame size (and strength) they used for the new model Blackhawk. I had one of these guns in .44 Mag, so I know they are plenty strong enough to handle hot .45 Colt loads.

A few years back, Ruger dropped the Vaquero and came out with a new gun, using a smaller frame size (closer to the Colt SAA for size), and called it the "new model Vaquero". These guns, in .45 Colt are not as beefy as the Blackhawk or the Vaquero (now called "old model Vaquero" by shooters), and should not be used with extra heavy .45 Colt loads.

Hope this helps.

[BlkHawk73]

and the pre-1973 guns are called "old model" or "3 screw" by collectors and shooters.


Ruger is who initially dubbed the 3-screw models as "Old Models" and still uses that term today.

A few years back, Ruger dropped the Vaquero and came out with a new gun, using a smaller frame size and called it the "new model Vaquero".

It's actually the New Vaquero. There are NO "Old Model" Vaqueros. There's the Vaquero and the New Vaquero. The term "old model" was needed for the BH's, SBH's and SS's because the names stayed the same. The Bh's remained BH's. The SBH's remained SBH's. The SS's remained SS's. With these fixed sighted models the later of the two models was called right from it's release just what it's rollmarked on the frame - the New Vaquero. ALL Ruger single action cartridge revovlers after 1973 are effectively "new Model" in thier design since they all utilize the transfer bar system.