Blackhawk 50th Anniversary .44 Magnum

[CCantu357]

I've been looking to get back into single actions lately. Last week I bought a used Ruger New Model Blackhawk .44 Magnum 50th Anniversary, complete with that fancy red box. Pretty much all of my single action experience has been with standard New Model Blackhawks; this modern flattop is new to me. A few observations:

While it is a .44 Magnum, for some reason this gun feels much more svelte than a Super Blackhawk. Maybe it is the combination of the 6.5" barrel and smaller grip, but for a gun supposedly sharing the same frame it feels much more balanced than a standard Super Blackhawk.

This gun has the XR3 grip, which is supposed to be the same size as the Colt SAA grip. Perhaps it is just me, but I never realized how small this grip feels to me. It reminds of a boot grip - I'm not sure if I should scrunch my hand tight or fold my pinky under. Either way it is very different from the larger grip on the standard New Model Blackhawk or the Colt 1860 Army style grip.

Being my first .44, I intend to shoot Specials for a while. But as far Magnum loads, can this revolver handle Magnums like the Super Blackhawk, or is it more fragile? I know the flattop is highly regarded, but I have not been able to find much contemporary information about this design.

 

[Fishinfool]

Congrats on finding a nice gun. I bought one when they first came out, and it is one of my favorite big bore revolvers. Like you said, it just feels good in the hand. Mine is very accurate, and well made / finished. That 50th case / book is a nice addition.

The main difference between the "Flat Top" and the standard SBH frame is the elimination of the steel "ears" that protect the rear sight. If I remember right, the original FT had an aluminum grip frame and ejector rod housing, so the 50th is heavier, as they are all steel. These guns are just as strong as any modern BH / SBH.

My one complaint shooting mine with near full power loads was those thin, sharply checkered plastic grips. I put a set of much thicker custom wood grips that really made a difference in recoil control and feel, as well as reducing middle knuckle smack on the trigger guard.

Larry

 

[SuperMan]

Not much to add over what Fishin said... I had the same limited production model in .41 Magnum and did not care for the grips either. Had a much fatter set of bonded ivory put on...made a big difference in shooting comfort. The XR3 gripframe is too small for me and I eventually sold it.

Found a bunch of reloaed .44 ammo and rather than break it all down decided to get a .44 to shoot it out of. Found a 71 vintage Old Model Super Blackkhawk that had been cut to 4 5/8"....the Dragoon gripframe is the largest and fits my hand the best...

Have a great time with your new gun...

Bob

 

[Rodfac]

I too, have a fondness for the Flat Tops...have 5 of them including your new 50th Anniversary...a great gun by the way. Like other posters here, I replaced the "Cheese Graters" as the grips are sometimes known with a pair of my own...pretty much replicas of the standard walnut grips on NM's. Mine are a bit fatter up near the top of the grip to handle heavy recoil better, however. Ahrends and Altamont both make superbly crafted grips that'll do the same for you if you're not handy with shop tools and a drill press.

Just a word of caution; those beautifully machined "Micro" rear sights can really chew up your forearm when carrying in a normal OWB, Tom Threepersons type of open top belt holster, especially in summer. My right forearm looks like I had a losing fight with an aggressive tom cat, all from carrying here on our farm in summer with short sleeves. I've toyed with the idea of 'melting' the edges with a fine mill file and some 600 grit plus cold blue, but just can't bring myself to make the first move...they're just too pretty.

Lastly, the 50th Anniversary is a great gun for reduced level (read .44 special level) reloads as well as full house magnums. My favorite is Skeeter Skelton's famous old load of any good 240 gr. LSWC backed by 7.5 gr. of Unique in .44 Special cases, topped with a good solid roll crimp. The magnum brass load is 8.3 gr. of Unique. Either will put a cylinderful into less than 2" even with my 73 yo eyes doing the steering. Missouri Bullet Co. makes a great bullet for this application, BTW. And don't be put off .44 special brass because of the much maligned "crud" ring left by the shorter case length...it'll scrub right out with a cpl passes with a bronze bore brush and a bit of Hoppe's.

As always, the above are loads that I have worked up for my guns. I find them safe and accurate but you should work up your own AFTER, consulting a GOOD manual and considering all the pressure implications.

Best regards, Rod

 

[steveno]

I will probably catch hell over this but every Superblackhawk and Blackhawk I have owned got rubber put on it before I ever shot them. I don't have very big hands but the little finger was always hanging underneath the grip. you don't want you little finger there when you shoot magnum loads. I still have a 41 mag Blackhawk and wished I would have kept the 44 mag 10.5 inch sst Superblackhawk.

I even had a friend of mine put a Superblackhawk grip frame on my 41 Blackhawk as it is a longer. A LOT more comfortable to shoot as well

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Nice snag on that one. Mine is a really nice example of Ruger can do when it wants to. I think they gave these ones a bit more attention as the fit and finish is superb and the action feels like it is running on ball bearings,very smooth with a good trigger pull as well. Its a good shooter to boot. The stock grips were replaced with aftermarket wood. I think you are going to like that one!

 

[Dieseltech56]

I love the looks of the flat tops. I saw a 44 mag at a gun show recently but I didn't go for it. I had a regular 7.5" 44 mag SBH and I traded it away because it has hard to shoot. I do have a 10.5" IHMSA SBH but it's unfired and will probably stay that way.

Right now a mid 2000s 44 special flat top (non bisley) is on layaway at an LGS. I am excited to shoot it.

 

[deanodog]

I bought one but ending up selling it. I have regretted letting it go. I had a super blackhawk at the time and still have it. The 50th
was super smooth and well made but it did not feel the same. If I run on to another at the right price I would buy it for my 44 special shooting. I also had a 50th anni.in 357 and traded it away. I have wished many times that I had all the nice ones I have sold or traded away. I guess we all have those thoughts.