picked up a new revolver today.

FloridaGuy · January 20, 2014, 07:33 PM

I traded in my Uberti's 1873 SAA Cattleman revolver today for $325.00. I then went and picked up a Ruger New Model Blackhawk Bisely chambered in .44 Special. It seems like a great gun have not had a chance to shoot it yet.

Specifications are:
Material: Alloy Steel
Finish: Blued
Rear Sight: MicroSight Adjustable
Front Sight: Ramp
Barrel Length: 5.50"
Overall Length: 11.38"
Weight: 43.00 oz.
Grips: Rosewood
Twist: 1:20" RH
Grip Frame: Alloy Steel
Capacity: 6
Grooves: 6

Ozzieman · January 20, 2014, 07:57 PM

I have the same gun but not the Bisely (wish I did)
Mine really likes Penn bullets 240 SWC with diameter of .430.
Nice gun and nice photo.

What is the leather holster and who made it???

mmb713 · January 21, 2014, 10:09 PM

That is one sweet revolver. Nice trade.

FloridaGuy · January 22, 2014, 09:21 AM

It shoots very well except it has one problem. The pin that holds the cylinder in keeps working out. You can fire 16 shoots and then you need to push the pin back in. So I had the LGS send it back to Ruger to have it fixed. My LGS said it would probable be a month or so till they get it back.

mmb713 · January 22, 2014, 10:53 PM

All of the big bore Blackhawks have that problem, it's very common. I don't know if Ruger will fix it. I put a Wolff base pin spring in my 45 Colt that cured 90% of my problem. With really heavy Ruger-only loads I still have to make sure the base pin doesn't jump. Belt Mountain has a surefire remedy for it but tools will be required to remove the base pin. You'd think by now Ruger would know to ship their single actions with extra heavy duty base pin springs.

Nick_C_S · January 23, 2014, 12:06 AM

Great caliber choice. And it's beautiful.

FloridaGuy · January 23, 2014, 07:40 PM

I was not aware that this was a common problem with this gun. If I would have been I probable would not have purchased it. I don't want a gun that needs that much attention just to shoot it. when the guy at my LGS was troubleshooting the issue he told me that this was very uncommon for a Ruger. He said he has 40 of them and has never had a problem with one of them.

I may talk to my LGS this weekend and see if I can get my money back and purchase something else. Because I don't want a gun that is just going to stay in the safe and not be shot. Because I do not want to deal with making sure the base pin is in after every couple of rounds. To me this is a design flaw in the revolver itself and not just an isolated issue.

Crazy88Fingers · January 23, 2014, 11:47 PM

I'm curious how that Bisley grip compares to a traditional SA grip. Does it handle better?

mmb713 · January 24, 2014, 12:04 AM

It is very cheaply and easily fixed. $3.49 and about five minutes work.

http://www.gunsprings.com/Revolvers/...D52/dID228#418

Scroll down to base pin latch spring. Your 44 Special loads will never approach Ruger-only 45 Colt levels of recoil. Put a Wolff spring in it and never worry again.

ThomasT · January 24, 2014, 02:22 AM

I have fixed a couple even cheaper than that. Just use a round file and make the notch in the base pin just a tiny amount bigger. A two minute fix.

Floridaguy keep your gun. Its a fantastic gun I didn't even know ruger offered. And you can bet before long it will be gone.

FloridaGuy · January 24, 2014, 07:02 AM

Crazy88Fingers- The Bisley grips feel 100% better than the standard grips. I did not like the feel of the same gun with the normal grips. When I picked this one up I was sold. It fits great in my hand and handles well. The Bisley grips are totally worth the money.

g.willikers · January 24, 2014, 05:29 PM

The Rugers have been doing that for decades.
Even back in the fifties and sixties, they did.
Not a big deal, really.
Every time you reload it, you know, one round at a time, just do one more thing - push the pin back.
It isn't like it would slow down the reloads any.

ShootingNut · January 24, 2014, 05:49 PM

Floridaguy,
I understand your disappointment hearing of a defect, that in my humble
opinion should have been re-engineered by Ruger, if it is a common problem.
Must say I would feel the same.
SN

kutz · January 24, 2014, 06:31 PM

Very pritty.

Nanuk · January 24, 2014, 11:51 PM

My 3 SBH's have never had the pin issue and I shoot some pretty hot loads in them.

Rogervzv · January 25, 2014, 11:02 AM

If the gun went back to Ruger it will get fixed. Probably be back in about 7 or 8 days.

FloridaGuy · January 25, 2014, 12:54 PM

Rogervzv- Yes the gun was sent back to Ruger on 01/21/2014. It will be interesting to see how long it takes to get it back.

Modernhoglegs · January 28, 2014, 07:16 AM

I think you got a good deal.
My Super Blackhawk is probably my favorite gun.

Axelwik · January 29, 2014, 05:47 PM

Easy fix with a stronger latch spring. You can also get a locking base pin. Great guns other than the base pins jumping.

skoro · February 1, 2014, 09:12 AM

That's a very good-lookin' chunk of shootin' iron you got there.

rclark · February 1, 2014, 04:07 PM

Nice! That .44 Special is special!!!! You'll like it. My .44 Special revolvers get out almost as much use as my .45 Colt revolvers. Right now, my shooting bag holds the .44Spec Sheriff New Vaquero for example....

As for the jumping base pin. Not a common problem. Mostly you'll see this with hard kicking revolvers.... I've only had the problem on one of my Ruger Single Actions... a .45 Colt original Vaquero. A Belt Mountain base pin fixed it. To dress it up you really need to get a Belt Mountain #5 base pin (a Keith like design if you didn't know) anyway just because it is a .44 Special.

As for the Bisley Vs. Plow Handle. Personal preference until you reach Magnum level velocities. The Bisley seems to handle the heavier loads better (more controllable). At least that is what I feel. Since .44 Special in the Ruger only gets a 240-250g SWC bullet up to around 1200fps (Keith load, bottom edge of Magnum velocities), it really comes down to a personal preference to which you like. Personally, I like the plow handle for most of my shooting. I do have both styles in .44Spec and .45 Colt.

Hope you get it back in a timely manner from Ruger.

Pathfinder45 · February 1, 2014, 11:04 PM

What Ratshooter said. My original Vaquero 45 had that problem. Probably why I got such a good deal on it. A few careful strokes with a 3/16th round file cured it on the spot. It's been good for about 17 years and many thousands of rounds since. Y'all have chainsaws, right? Pathfinder45 in the Pacific NW.

Salmoneye · February 2, 2014, 07:22 AM

Uh...

The specs in the OP do not match that picture...

That is a 4-5/8" barrel...

FloridaGuy · February 8, 2014, 07:06 PM

Update on Revolver: It is still at Ruger being repaired.

I hope it does not take as long to get this one back as it has to get my S&W Model 629 back. The 629 went in before Thanksgiving and I still have not received it back yet.

I am going to check on them both tomorrow when I go to the range.

FloridaGuy · February 26, 2014, 08:04 PM

Well still no word on either of my 2 guns. I am going to call Ruger tomorrow to see what the status is on that gun.

January 20, 2014, 07:33 PM	#1
FloridaGuy Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2012 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 237	picked up a new revolver today. I traded in my Uberti's 1873 SAA Cattleman revolver today for $325.00. I then went and picked up a Ruger New Model Blackhawk Bisely chambered in .44 Special. It seems like a great gun have not had a chance to shoot it yet. Specifications are: Material: Alloy Steel Finish: Blued Rear Sight: MicroSight Adjustable Front Sight: Ramp Barrel Length: 5.50" Overall Length: 11.38" Weight: 43.00 oz. Grips: Rosewood Twist: 1:20" RH Grip Frame: Alloy Steel Capacity: 6 Grooves: 6 __________________ Μολὼν λαβέ Authorized Blackhound Optics Dealer www.blackhoundoptics.com/CWFT

January 20, 2014, 07:57 PM	#2
Ozzieman Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 6,117	I have the same gun but not the Bisely (wish I did) Mine really likes Penn bullets 240 SWC with diameter of .430. Nice gun and nice photo. What is the leather holster and who made it??? __________________ It was a sad day when I discovered my universal remote control did not in fact control the universe. Did you hear about the latest study.....5 out of 6 liberals say that Russian Roulette is safe.

January 23, 2014, 12:06 AM	#6
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,523	Great caliber choice. And it's beautiful. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

January 23, 2014, 07:40 PM	#7
FloridaGuy Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2012 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 237	I was not aware that this was a common problem with this gun. If I would have been I probable would not have purchased it. I don't want a gun that needs that much attention just to shoot it. when the guy at my LGS was troubleshooting the issue he told me that this was very uncommon for a Ruger. He said he has 40 of them and has never had a problem with one of them. I may talk to my LGS this weekend and see if I can get my money back and purchase something else. Because I don't want a gun that is just going to stay in the safe and not be shot. Because I do not want to deal with making sure the base pin is in after every couple of rounds. To me this is a design flaw in the revolver itself and not just an isolated issue. __________________ Μολὼν λαβέ Authorized Blackhound Optics Dealer www.blackhoundoptics.com/CWFT

January 24, 2014, 07:02 AM	#11
FloridaGuy Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2012 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 237	Crazy88Fingers- The Bisley grips feel 100% better than the standard grips. I did not like the feel of the same gun with the normal grips. When I picked this one up I was sold. It fits great in my hand and handles well. The Bisley grips are totally worth the money. __________________ Μολὼν λαβέ Authorized Blackhound Optics Dealer www.blackhoundoptics.com/CWFT

January 21, 2014, 10:09 PM	#3
mmb713 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2011 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 421	That is one sweet revolver. Nice trade.

January 22, 2014, 09:21 AM	#4
FloridaGuy Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2012 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 237	It shoots very well except it has one problem. The pin that holds the cylinder in keeps working out. You can fire 16 shoots and then you need to push the pin back in. So I had the LGS send it back to Ruger to have it fixed. My LGS said it would probable be a month or so till they get it back. __________________ Μολὼν λαβέ Authorized Blackhound Optics Dealer www.blackhoundoptics.com/CWFT

January 22, 2014, 10:53 PM	#5
mmb713 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2011 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 421	All of the big bore Blackhawks have that problem, it's very common. I don't know if Ruger will fix it. I put a Wolff base pin spring in my 45 Colt that cured 90% of my problem. With really heavy Ruger-only loads I still have to make sure the base pin doesn't jump. Belt Mountain has a surefire remedy for it but tools will be required to remove the base pin. You'd think by now Ruger would know to ship their single actions with extra heavy duty base pin springs.

January 23, 2014, 11:47 PM	#8
Crazy88Fingers Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2010 Location: WesTex Posts: 958	I'm curious how that Bisley grip compares to a traditional SA grip. Does it handle better?

January 24, 2014, 12:04 AM	#9
mmb713 Senior Member Join Date: March 15, 2011 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 421	It is very cheaply and easily fixed. $3.49 and about five minutes work. http://www.gunsprings.com/Revolvers/...D52/dID228#418 Scroll down to base pin latch spring. Your 44 Special loads will never approach Ruger-only 45 Colt levels of recoil. Put a Wolff spring in it and never worry again.

January 24, 2014, 02:22 AM	#10
ThomasT Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,753	I have fixed a couple even cheaper than that. Just use a round file and make the notch in the base pin just a tiny amount bigger. A two minute fix. Floridaguy keep your gun. Its a fantastic gun I didn't even know ruger offered. And you can bet before long it will be gone.

January 24, 2014, 05:29 PM	#12
g.willikers Senior Member Join Date: September 28, 2008 Posts: 10,442	The Rugers have been doing that for decades. Even back in the fifties and sixties, they did. Not a big deal, really. Every time you reload it, you know, one round at a time, just do one more thing - push the pin back. It isn't like it would slow down the reloads any. __________________ Walt Kelly, alias Pogo, sez: “Don't take life so serious, son, it ain't nohow permanent.”

January 24, 2014, 05:49 PM	#13
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Floridaguy, I understand your disappointment hearing of a defect, that in my humble opinion should have been re-engineered by Ruger, if it is a common problem. Must say I would feel the same. SN

January 24, 2014, 06:31 PM	#14
kutz Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 393	Very pritty.

January 24, 2014, 11:51 PM	#15
Nanuk Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2005 Location: Where the deer and the antelope roam. Posts: 3,082	My 3 SBH's have never had the pin issue and I shoot some pretty hot loads in them. __________________ Retired Law Enforcement U. S. Army Veteran Armorer My rifle and pistol are tools, I am the weapon.

January 25, 2014, 11:02 AM	#16
Rogervzv Senior Member Join Date: February 5, 2011 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 1,075	If the gun went back to Ruger it will get fixed. Probably be back in about 7 or 8 days. __________________ The difference between a citizen and a civilian is that the citizen makes the safety of the body politic his personal responsibility, protecting it with his life. The civilian does not.

January 25, 2014, 12:54 PM	#17
FloridaGuy Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2012 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 237	Rogervzv- Yes the gun was sent back to Ruger on 01/21/2014. It will be interesting to see how long it takes to get it back. __________________ Μολὼν λαβέ Authorized Blackhound Optics Dealer www.blackhoundoptics.com/CWFT

January 28, 2014, 07:16 AM	#18
Modernhoglegs Member Join Date: July 10, 2013 Posts: 24	Nice Trade I think you got a good deal. My Super Blackhawk is probably my favorite gun. __________________ Author of the "Handbook of Modern Percussion Revolvers"

January 29, 2014, 05:47 PM	#19
Axelwik Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2012 Location: Land of Enchantment Posts: 436	Easy fix with a stronger latch spring. You can also get a locking base pin. Great guns other than the base pins jumping.

February 1, 2014, 09:12 AM	#20
skoro Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,952	picked up a new revolver today That's a very good-lookin' chunk of shootin' iron you got there.

February 1, 2014, 04:07 PM	#21
rclark Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2009 Location: Butte, MT Posts: 2,622	Nice! That .44 Special is special!!!! You'll like it. My .44 Special revolvers get out almost as much use as my .45 Colt revolvers. Right now, my shooting bag holds the .44Spec Sheriff New Vaquero for example.... As for the jumping base pin. Not a common problem. Mostly you'll see this with hard kicking revolvers.... I've only had the problem on one of my Ruger Single Actions... a .45 Colt original Vaquero. A Belt Mountain base pin fixed it. To dress it up you really need to get a Belt Mountain #5 base pin (a Keith like design if you didn't know) anyway just because it is a .44 Special. As for the Bisley Vs. Plow Handle. Personal preference until you reach Magnum level velocities. The Bisley seems to handle the heavier loads better (more controllable). At least that is what I feel. Since .44 Special in the Ruger only gets a 240-250g SWC bullet up to around 1200fps (Keith load, bottom edge of Magnum velocities), it really comes down to a personal preference to which you like. Personally, I like the plow handle for most of my shooting. I do have both styles in .44Spec and .45 Colt. Hope you get it back in a timely manner from Ruger. __________________ A clinger and deplorable, MAGA, and life NRA member. When guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns. Single Action .45 Colt (Sometimes colloquially referred to by its alias as the .45 'Long' Colt or .45LC). Don't leave home without it. That said, the .44Spec is right up their too... but the .45 Colt is still the king.

February 1, 2014, 11:04 PM	#22
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	Chainsaw File What Ratshooter said. My original Vaquero 45 had that problem. Probably why I got such a good deal on it. A few careful strokes with a 3/16th round file cured it on the spot. It's been good for about 17 years and many thousands of rounds since. Y'all have chainsaws, right? Pathfinder45 in the Pacific NW.

February 2, 2014, 07:22 AM	#23
Salmoneye Senior Member Join Date: December 31, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 2,076	Uh... The specs in the OP do not match that picture... That is a 4-5/8" barrel...

February 8, 2014, 07:06 PM	#24
FloridaGuy Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2012 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 237	Update on Revolver: It is still at Ruger being repaired. I hope it does not take as long to get this one back as it has to get my S&W Model 629 back. The 629 went in before Thanksgiving and I still have not received it back yet. I am going to check on them both tomorrow when I go to the range. __________________ Μολὼν λαβέ Authorized Blackhound Optics Dealer www.blackhoundoptics.com/CWFT

February 26, 2014, 08:04 PM	#25
FloridaGuy Senior Member Join Date: December 8, 2012 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 237	Well still no word on either of my 2 guns. I am going to call Ruger tomorrow to see what the status is on that gun. __________________ Μολὼν λαβέ Authorized Blackhound Optics Dealer www.blackhoundoptics.com/CWFT