Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics
o

Notices

Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics Post Your General Gun Topics and Non-S&W Gun and Blade Topics Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-01-2017, 12:48 AM
Malpasowildlifer's Avatar
Malpasowildlifer Malpasowildlifer is offline
SWCA Member
Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5''  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Front range
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 2,343
Liked 965 Times in 571 Posts
Default Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5''

Soon I'll be in search of an Old Model (OM) 44 Magnum with a 7.5'' barrel . I've always wanted an OM Super Blackhawk (SBH) but as I've learned more about Ruger SA's, I've learned about the OM Blackhawk (BH) in 44 magnum and that there were some with a 7.5'' barrel. Please help me decide.

I can't stand 6.5'' barrels on a SA and if I go with a OM BH I'll have to find one with a 7.5'' barrel. I know they are scarce and will probably be more expensive.

I just read Sheriff Jim Wilson's article on the OM BH in 44 Magnum and he said it'll handle "any reasonable" 44 Magnum load. That describes my 44 Magnum reloading and am strictly into .44 Magnum bullets in 240 grains, except for lighter Barnes bullets in copper for hunting while I'm still stuck in CA. I don't have an interest in shooting .44 Special out of a .44 Magnum.

I LOVE the flat top on the OM BH's. I'm concerned what the aluminum frame would feel like and how it'd balance. And I don't like the look of worn aluminum. I'd prefer an all steel gun and love my all stainless N frame S&W's. I got to handle a friends NM BH in .45 Colt with a 4.62'' barrel and aluminum frame and thought it felt great; but perhaps because of the balance in regards to the barrel length.

I like the unfluted cylinder (I prefer the look and love it on DA S&W's and will get unfluted on FA's one day) and SBH hammer on the SBH. I don't mind the dragoon trigger guard but can care less either way. Some say it doesn't make recoil harsh, some say it does and some say only with heavy loads so I'm at a wash with that.

I think the answer is obvious with the SBH. Perhaps I get more features I like with the OM SBH but I sure like that flat top! Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
__________________
Cheers, Charles
SWCA #2442
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-01-2017, 02:01 AM
Drm50 Drm50 is offline
Member
Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5''  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Monroe cnty. Ohio
Posts: 6,923
Likes: 4,410
Liked 10,022 Times in 3,676 Posts
Default

Back in 60s I had every one Ruger made, all cals and barrel lengths and pairs. My favorite has always been the Old Model
SBH. I had several of them and still have the original I bought
back then. It is one of the few handguns I have that shoots best
with full power loads. Shoot 22.5gr 2400/ 240gr JHP since gun
was new. After 50yrs the only trouble with it I've ever had was
a sheared frame screw behind trigger guard. This was before
Nyloc screws and you had to make sure screws were kept tight.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg image.jpg (60.1 KB, 61 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 09-01-2017, 09:03 AM
2152hq 2152hq is online now
Member
Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5''  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 7,726
Likes: 1,633
Liked 9,093 Times in 3,364 Posts
Default

The Old Model 44Magnum will be the Flat Top Model. The side of the frame will be marked 'Blackhawk'.

These are expensive and in 7 1/2" bbl length rather rare handguns when placed in with the later SUper Blackhawk. The Super Blackhawk can of course be split betw the earlier OM 3 screw and the later transferbar NM styles.

The early FlatTop 44 Blackhawk used the same XR3 Colt style grip frame that fit every other Ruger SA of the day.
The complaints about finger busting lead to the XR3-red style on the Blackhawks (and S/Six). The Super Blackhawk got a somewhat longer with the squared off Dragoon guard when it came out to replace the 44BlackHawk.

I had a nice FT 44 Blackhawk and like you would certainly enjoy having one again.
I had replaced the aluminum TG with a 2-piece Colt style steel unit from Power Custom,,added Ivory grips and engraved it.
Probably should have kept it,,but....
I think I still have a couple pics of it.

That'd be my first choice once again too for another.
An OM Super Blackhawk would be my second choice.

I just never warmed up to the NM Rugers but plenty of people like them and they've sold thousands of them.

Just my thoughts,,
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 09-01-2017, 07:19 PM
PALADIN85020's Avatar
PALADIN85020 PALADIN85020 is offline
US Veteran
Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5''  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 10,440
Likes: 3,924
Liked 50,372 Times in 6,009 Posts
Default

I also way prefer the "old model" Ruger single action sixguns. Slick actions and made right in the old manner with "4 clicks" when cocked.

I can't help with a 7.5" old model .44 mag blackhawk, but here's a comparison shot of a 6.5" sample with factory stag grips, next to an old model Super Blackhawk. I think the old Super B was pretty close to the finest large-production single action ever made. Check the finish, and the fit of the cylinder, with recessed chambers - no unsightly gap between the rear of the cylinder and recoil shield.

John

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 09-02-2017, 09:58 AM
Malpasowildlifer's Avatar
Malpasowildlifer Malpasowildlifer is offline
SWCA Member
Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5''  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Front range
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 2,343
Liked 965 Times in 571 Posts
Default

Great intel, thank you
__________________
Cheers, Charles
SWCA #2442
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-04-2017, 10:43 AM
Stevie Stevie is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: OK. U.S.A.
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 5
Liked 296 Times in 189 Posts
Default

I've owned three Super-Blackhawk .44 mag revolvers...all 7.5"

The first two of which one was a old model and the second was a 'bicentennial'(1976)...neither one of those I thought shot all that well.

The one I own now is a newer one like 1987 or 1986 and it shoots great. Not sure if it's the guns or me?? Could be I got better shooting .44 mag revolvers as in between Super Blackhawks I got a S&W 629 and shot it a bunch
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-04-2017, 12:25 PM
dave1918a2's Avatar
dave1918a2 dave1918a2 is offline
US Veteran
Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5''  
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Black Hills of SD
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 2,151
Liked 4,167 Times in 1,778 Posts
Default

It seems to Me that every SBH I ever owned did not like soft loads. AKA 44 soecial. They liked hot and shot great at 100 yards. Sitting with My back against a table leg and resting between My legs(wrists not the gun) I could ring a 8 inch gong every shot. I'm talking a 240 Hornaday and 25.5 gr H110. Usually when We went to paint the gong, the center was pretty bare. Eyes don't co-operate anymore so now it's just 5 out of 6 mostly. I really like the old FT's and three screw SBH's.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-04-2017, 01:38 PM
Watchdog Watchdog is offline
Banned
Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5''  
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 12,572
Likes: 21,054
Liked 32,463 Times in 7,773 Posts
Default

I've had OM Super Blackhawks since the early seventies. I'm down to two of them now. Never a problem with any of them. Successfully hog hunted in Tennessee with my first one. The guns are incredibly accurate. Hundred yard steel silhouettes are no problem at all for the gun with the right load. I never had a problem with the dragoon style trigger guard bashing my fingers, either, not even with the heaviest loads. Loved shooting .44 Specials in it, too.

Hard to say enough good things about the gun. It's simply a great field and hunting gun and points so naturally it seems to aim itself. It makes a mediocre shooter like me look better than I really am.

Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 09-04-2017, 03:18 PM
Drm50 Drm50 is offline
Member
Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5'' Ruger old model Blackhawk 44 7.5'' vs. old model Super Blackhawk 7.5''  
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Monroe cnty. Ohio
Posts: 6,923
Likes: 4,410
Liked 10,022 Times in 3,676 Posts
Default

I have found that OM Ruger SBHs run out of sight adjustment to
bring them to zero at shorter ranges. Rear bottoms out and front
is to short.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
The Old Model Ruger Super Blackhawk! PALADIN85020 Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 21 07-13-2015 12:36 PM
WTS-Ruger Old Model Super Blackhawk Smith61 GUNS - For Sale or Trade 1 05-07-2014 07:33 PM
WTB: Old Model Ruger Super Blackhawk NIB rboineau WANTED to Buy 0 07-02-2013 05:43 PM
WTS Ruger Blackhawk 45 Colt with Super Blackhawk Grip Frame thenunz GUNS - For Sale or Trade 3 03-12-2013 08:31 AM
Ruger Blackhawk or Super Blackhawk for Magnum type Loads Dump1567 Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 26 11-19-2012 12:44 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:19 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)