Ruger blackhawk frame differences

[taco650]

I'm a bit behind the times so could the collective educate me on something? Thanks. When did Ruger start building 45 Colt Blackhawks on the smaller frame? I realize this started some time ago. Also, can a 45 Colt Blackhawk built on the larger frame still be purchased and if so, are they easy to differentiate from the smaller framed versions at a casual glance? If you have both size Blackhawks, please post pics side-by-side so I can see the difference. Thanks.:)

[Keyston44]

The large size Blackhawk in 45 will have the protective ears for the rear sight. The smaller ones are flat tops. Then there is also the Vaquero in 45 colt that is now the smaller frame. The large size is still available. Sorry I don't have the new one to show you a picture of the difference.

Key

[taco650]

Key,

Thanks for the explanation. I was wondering if anybody saw my thread. Nice buck in your avatar pic!

[MtGun44]

No expert, but there is the SuperBH, BH and Vaquero, then the Flat top - which was only made
a short time in the 50s originally, then brought back for the 50th anniv models. New Vaquero is
apparently on the smaller frame, too - less the ears. I think the SBH is a larger frame than
the BH for all other cartridges, and I THINK the regular BH is the size of the frame
that the flattop .44 Mag was made on. There is a whole different issue with a set of
multiple different grip frames in diff sizes. IIRC, Keith called the SBH grip the "Dragoon
grip" (apparently the same as the old Colt dragoon)and I think the early flat top BH originally
had the same as the Colt SAA, which I THINK is like the .36 Navy BP revolvers. I think the
'normal' BHs uses something closer to the 1860 Army grip frame.

Be aware - I'm sure some real Ruger expert will chime in and correct my errors. ;-)

Bill

[taco650]

My first "real" handgun was a lightly used NMBH in .357mag. I got it as a present from my parents in 1984, don't know when it was made. I would compare its grip to being similar to the Colt SAA. The SBH's I've held had grips more like the Dragoon IMO. I only posed this question because I'd like to get one of these revolvers in 45 Colt but on the big frame so heavy loads don't shoot it loose. I'd like to put a Bisley grip on it too.

[9.3X62AL]

The Bisley Blackhawk is still made in 45 Colt (and 44 Magnum), and is bear-strong. I had ideas about installing a Bisley grip frame onto a Blackhawk in 41 Mag, and that never came to pass. I do like the Ruger Bisley grip a LOT more than their plow-handle BH knuckle-buster. BHs tend to get Pachmayr Presentation aftermarket grips if they occupy my safe, to save wear & tear on my right middle finger.

[Tatume]

Look at the rear sight.

Large frame Blackhawk
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/Moscheutos/BH1_zps78165966.jpg

Smaller frame Blackhawk
http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh7/Moscheutos/nbh_zpsfb86dae4.jpg

[Kull]

Yep. New Model Flattop Blackhawks and New Model Vaquero's are on the same size frame, the 357 mag mid-size frame. Big difference is the Blackhawk has adjustable sights and a steel grip frame where the Vaquero does not. Grip frames on the regular Backhawks are different than the New Model Flattop's or Vaquero's, and I believe both are different than the Super Blackhawks. The XR3 grip frame, like on the New Model Flattop's and Vaquero's is very close to the original Colt SAA.

http://www.gunblast.com/Hamm_Ruger-SA-GripFrames.htm

Yes you can get 45 Colt in either size. Here's pics of both.

http://i.imgur.com/3W7GmsQ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/i0oOpZE.jpg

[taco650]

The Bisley Blackhawk is still made in 45 Colt (and 44 Magnum), and is bear-strong. I had ideas about installing a Bisley grip frame onto a Blackhawk in 41 Mag, and that never came to pass. I do like the Ruger Bisley grip a LOT more than their plow-handle BH knuckle-buster. BHs tend to get Pachmayr Presentation aftermarket grips if they occupy my safe, to save wear & tear on my right middle finger.

The 357 BH I had for a few years got a set of Pachmayr's as soon as I could afford them (was in college at the time) for the same reason. The black rubber didn't look as good as the original wood but sure functioned better. My favorite SA grip is what is on my 1860 Army 44. That fits real nice but the Ruger Bisley looks pretty good too.

Thanks to the others for posting the comparison pics. I see the difference now. Thanks!