Help with old model Ruger Blackhawk

[italiansport]

I have a 357 Ruger old model that was never converted to the transfer bar system. However at some time the original hammer was replaced with a wide spur non factory one. I'd like to replace this with an original hammer I managed to find. I've looked at what's available for this model online disassembly wise and I'm fine up to the point where you remove the screw holding the hammer in. Can I get by with just removing the current hammer or do I need to take the rest of the parts out as well to get the replacement in?
Thanks
Jim?

 

[deanodog]

Try Rugerforum.com

 

[Muley Gil]

Remove the grips. Cock the hammer and pin the mainspring. Remove the mainspring. Remove the hammer screw and then the hammer. Install the replacement hammer, with the hand installed, and then the mainspring.

Check the action.

 

[italiansport]

I take it I use the hand already installed in the gun. Can I do this without further dis-assembly? I am a cautious sort and would rather ask before I have a problem instead of waiting until I do have one.
Jim

 

[2152hq]

I don't know what disassembly instruc you have,,
After capturing the mainspring w/a cross=pin and taking that out of the frame,,You remove the gripstrap/trigger guard assembly .

Once the grip frame is off, be carefull that you don't loose the coil spring and follower that is simply inserted into the back of the frame that powers the hand. It can drop out on it's own, but remove it and set it aside.
There is also a plunger and spring in the grip frame itself in back of the trigger that powers the trigger. That plunger is usually set into the grip frame with a twist of the coil spring behind it so it doesn't fall free,,but keep track of it anyway and give it a little help in resetting itself upon reassembly.

The trigger is not under spring tension in the frame anymore and can be removed by simply removing the trigger screw.
I'd pull it out and check the sear nose with that of the replacement hammer sear edge and safety notches.
I can't remember if the trigger is in the way of pulling the hammer itself out of the frame,,you'll see that quick enough.

Now unscrew the hammer screw,,pull the hammer down w/the hand attached (pivoting the hammer to the rear will clear that wide spur.)

Place the old hand on the replacement hammer and reassemble.
Put the hammer screw, the trigger and it's screw back into place and at that point try the action for correct mechanics using finger pressure to mimic some spring tension. Hold the hand spring/plunger in position with a finger to get that to work.
Easier to find a problem here than after you put all those screws & springs back together.

 

[gwpercle]

Be sure and get a proper set of gunsmith screwdrivers so as not to bugger up any screw heads. Regular screwdrivers do not do a proper job. The blade needs to have parallel sides and be the exact width and length of the slot. Take this from someone who learned "the hard way "
I took my Blackhawk completely apart with the aide of J.B. Wood's book "Firearms Assembly/Disassembly - Part II: Revolvers"
clear step by step instructions, photographs and tips on getting it all back together. I'm NOT mechanically inclined and had no parts left over....it was fairly easy. The book is available on-line for $15.00 and covers 65 different revolvers , very handy to have around.
Don't ever return your three-screw to Ruger ....they will install that "safety system" even if you tell them not to.
My three screw was made in 1970, I bought it brand new and like it just the way it is.
Good luck with your project,
Gary

 

[Fishinfool]

Just a FYI - When Ruger changes the gun to the modern transfer bar system, no permanent modifications are done to the gun, and all the original parts are returned in case you want to someday change it back to original.

Larry

 

[italiansport]

Thanks for all the help and advise. I will disassemble the pistol tomorrow and replace the hammer as described.
Jim

 

[Gunhacker]

Whatcha gonna do with that replaced hammer... interested is selling it? I totally dislike the traditional "thumb buster" style hammers on my Ruger SA's and replace them with a Bisley style hammer, but those are only for the New Model Blackhawks.

My OM Blackhawk has a Bisley hammer that I bought from Clement's Custom years ago, will be my last one as they gotten too rich for my budget... would like to find an alternative to use should I get another Old Model.

Is the style hammer spur like what's on a Super Blackhawk?

 

[alwslate]

Contact Ruger for an owner's manual, free I believe. The manual for
old model single actions has disassembly instructions.

 

[P.44]

You can find an owner's manual online:

1. from the Ruger side ( + the Old Model "Safety Notice")
Ruger Blackhawk Serial Number History

2. on stevespagescom (+ a lot of other manuals...)
page7b

P.44

 

[italiansport]

Well: I didn't get too far with this. The screws holding the trigger frame on won't budge and I don't want to ding them up. I wonder if the past owner put them on with Loctite?
Jim

 

[29aholic]

Ruger will do it for free for you if you let them do the conversion. They will even send you a prepaid shipping box. There is no modifications done and it can be converted back to an old model at any time. Ask for your original parts back, but they usually send them any way.


If nothing else, they will be able to get it apart without buggering it up.

 

[italiansport]

Ruger will do it for free for you if you let them do the conversion. They will even send you a prepaid shipping box. There is no modifications done and it can be converted back to an old model at any time. Ask for your original parts back, but they usually send them any way.


If nothing else, they will be able to get it apart without buggering it up.

Sending it to Ruger is precisely what I am trying to avoid. I DON'T want a transfer bar installed.
Jim

 

[2152hq]

Well: I didn't get too far with this. The screws holding the trigger frame on won't budge and I don't want to ding them up. I wonder if the past owner put them on with Loctite?
Jim

That's a very good possibility. The Rugers (and Colts) loosen the grips frame screws up with regular use. Colt put nylon lock washers under the screws starting on the 3rd generations I believe. I think Ruger had a nylon lock plug on the threaded portion at some point in production but may be wrong on that.

Not knowing what may be holding them (type of loctite, shellac, superglue, epoxy glue, ect) pure torque will break some of them free where others won't let go w/o some degree of heat. Sometimes quite a bit of heat.

Simple jobs have a way of turning into real projects sometimes.

 

[italiansport]

I squirted each screw with some Liquid Wrench and I'll see what tomorrow brings.
Jim

 

[29aholic]

I squirted each screw with some Liquid Wrench and I'll see what tomorrow brings.
Jim

What I was saying is you can put the old parts back in when you get it back

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using Tapatalk

 

[Muley Gil]

The Bisley hammer and the Super Blackhawk hammer are different.

Whatcha gonna do with that replaced hammer... interested is selling it? I totally dislike the traditional "thumb buster" style hammers on my Ruger SA's and replace them with a Bisley style hammer, but those are only for the New Model Blackhawks.

My OM Blackhawk has a Bisley hammer that I bought from Clement's Custom years ago, will be my last one as they gotten too rich for my budget... would like to find an alternative to use should I get another Old Model.

Is the style hammer spur like what's on a Super Blackhawk?

 

[italiansport]

You need to work your way "into" the gun....it's not complicated to tap out the trigger pin, and the pin holding the cylinder stop. The hammer should come out last and go in first.

Many used to install a SB wide spur hammer in a BH frame...it goes just fine.

This is an old model Blackhawk 3 screw without any pins!
Jim

 

[gwpercle]

You need to work your way "into" the gun....it's not complicated to tap out the trigger pin, and the pin holding the cylinder stop. The hammer should come out last and go in first.

Many used to install a SB wide spur hammer in a BH frame...it goes just fine.

No pins , these are referred to as "three screw " models because they have three screws instead of two pins.
If a proper fitting screwdriver and Liquid wrench don't work mix up a little Automatic Transmission Fluid with Acetone , 50 / 50 and apply some to the screws every day for a week . This is actually better than Liquid Wrench. If they won't break loose , take it to a professional gunsmith .
they usually have lots of experience with stubborn screws.
Good luck and be careful , don't risk snapping a screw off. Also try applying heat with a soldering iron tip on the screw from the threaded end . I hate stubborn screws !
Gary