That is a pretty gun. I would have caution buying a used Super BH as I think they may be the most hot rodded handgun ever. Every beginning reloader/owner wants to know how fast he can push something. Having said that I don't remember seeing one split open.
A good friend of mine has a blown up Ruger SBH frame (top strap banana peeled straight up, barrel thread area gone) that was given to him by the local sheriff. Turns out the sheriff was an avid "handloading enthusiast" who confused his Bullseye powder for his 2400!
My friend keeps it on his loading bench as a reminder to stay alert when reloading!
And, yes, that Ruger old model SBH is a real beauty! People forget that, at the time, the "single action" was locked into the Colt SAA. Everyone "in the know" understood and appreciated what guys like Elmer Keith wanted in a single action. Most couldn't afford a fancy custom job like "Christie's" and "Gun Reblue Co" built.
But, Bill Ruger listened and made it a reality, and gave Colt a much needed kick in the pants!
This same friend recently offered me the SBH in the photo. He is an excellent gunsmith himself, and built this years ago for his own use. Not apparent in the photo is the smooth tuned action, benchrest crown, or 1.5 lb trigger. I use it with 300 gr cast bullet loads, mostly at rather long distances. It is amazingly accurate, and carries with it a special personal significance.
That's another great thing about the SBH: it's a nice "canvas" for gunsmithing artistry.
