There's a really nice SBHawk old model for sale out here in Ca. Trouble is it's got the transfer bar system installed and the original parts are lost. All my Rugers are old models. How much diff. is this gun with new parts compared to original? Since i'm such a snob in favor of the older models, do you think I'd hate this modified one or could live with it? Does the transfer bar system rattle around? Thanks S&W fans for tolerating a Ruger question.

The conversions parts do not feel as as smooth as the New Models that have the redesigned actions. I had two, and put the original parts back in them. In fact, the best way I describe a converted action is it feels and sounds like a cheap pair of pot metal scissors from the .99 store. Old Model parts are sought after and will be expensive if you find them. And they may, or may not drop in to a gun that they were not originally installed in. I know CA prices are high, but I still wouldn't pay more than about $350 for a converted one.

Thanks, Walt. Just the info i needed. I couldn't tolerate anything less than a smooth old model action. What a shame, too. The gun looks really nice.

I am just curious. I have an Old Model Super Blackhawk. I got it before it was an Old Model. I have not shot it for at least 30 years. It is in pretty good shape. What are they worth now? I think I payed about $100.00 for it.

You can always buy a set of the original parts and install them in the Super Blackhawk. A set of parts will go for around $175. plus shipping, so you want to figure about $200. less for one with the safty kit than for one with the original parts.


Waldo an old model Super Blackhawk will go for from $450. on up depending on condition and when it was manufactured, and if box is with it or not.

If you need more information, here is a good link:

http://www****gerforum.com/phpBB/

Waytt, I'm an Old Model snob too, I couldn't abide having a nice OM SuperB with the wrong parts in it. I'd only buy one if it was dirt cheap, than I'd pay whatever I had to for the OM parts to make it "right" again.

I'm an "old model" snob. I can't abide the new model transfer bar system, unless the revolver has been converted via a Ron Power kit to work like the old models. With the kit, you can reload by putting it on half cock, and the chambers line up by reverse indexing for fast ejection. Unfortunately, there are only 3 clicks when you cock instead of 4, though. I also hate the look of the new model trigger - just not authentic to the single action design.

My first single action was a Ruger Super B. Came with a white box. If you are a Ruger collector, you know how valuable it was - the box more expensive than the gun these days. I kept the box in a closet under our stairs, and when we moved, the wife threw it out. She will never make that mistake again..........

I sold the gun (serial 10050) like an idiot. Looked for a similar one for years, and finally found one in 2003 in excellent shape. It was made in 1973, one of the last of the old models. I paid $400 for it back then and later dug up a matching box and instructions to go with it.

Old model Blackhawks and Super Bs are going up in value. Many, such as I, really treasure the smoothness and traditional action. We're not stupid enough to forget loading only five and putting the empty chamber under the hammer. A long time ago I learned to load one, skip one, load four, cock and lower hammer. It's just a liability issue with Ruger, protecting them against stupid or uninformed people.

Get 'em while you can - no more old model Rugers are being made, sadly.

Here's my Super B:

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I cherish my 2 Old Models, a Blackhawk .357/9MM convertible and a Super Blackhawk.
I found the comments about the conversion affecting the trigger pull interesting.

My first handgun was an old model Super Blackhawk. I sold it and moved on to other guns. Later I sort of missed it and bought another, one of the newer models. It just wasn't the same and I sold it without regret.

FWIW.

I’ve got one in 45 colt. I have the original lay away tag and sales receipt, 5-5-72. I sent it to Ruger for the transfer bar conversion. I still have the original parts, so it can be converted back. What I regret not doing is having a 45 acp cylinder installed while they had it. I guess I could still do that. I still shoot it occasionally. It’s a keeper. My trigger is very good with the converted parts.
Phil

pberry,

I also fancy the .45 old model blackhawks. I have an old model .45 convertible; a great field gun. .45 ACP for more economical practice, and .45 Colt for rompin' stompin' power if you want it. Here's a pic of that gun:

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

all depends to us, what the "price" of the gun is, if a deal go for it, worry about the "parts" change laetr on...keep you eyes open for a set of spare parts down the road......as you say ,if you ONLY like the old models "as they were", then forget about it....
condition, serial number range, box ,etc all enter into the equation...............sometimes if you already have ONE< and the other may be nicer, you can come up with one , swapping the parts from TWO< to come up with ONE, REAL nice gun..........never know

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dan
NRA Benefactor,PMA