3 screw Ruger SBH .44 mag

R

rko001

Inactive
I have one of the old Rugers with three screws. I know it's a 'safety' issue but only load 5 rounds when I carry it. Is this worth keeping in its original condition or should I have it converted by Ruger? It's a 7" barrel model.
 
If it was my gun I would keep the gun all original. The trigger feel will be much different after the conversion. However, since you asked and it is your gun, depending on the particulars of the gun, it probably won't hurt the value too much or at all to have the conversion made. Ruger will return the original parts and you can always change it back. They will stamp an "R" under the grip frame on the cylinder frame. It is not noticeable once the gun is assembled. If the gun has a low serial number, a brass frame or a 6.5" barrel then I would not have the conversion done.
JMHO
 
Dan has it right. I actually didn't notice a huge change in the trigger after the fix on my Old Model Blackhawk in .357. When I got it back I just dry fired it about 1,000 times and it runs great. For me, the gun was for utility. I prefer having six shots.
 
I owned one a few years ago that had been modified before I purchased it. I really didn’t find the mod to be that bad compared to my other Ruger single actions. But then again I never shot one without the cross bar safety.
But I would not touch it. It’s worth more and as long as you keep your head out,,, there is no safety issue.
You have a piece of art,,, keep it that way.
 
It is worth more unmolested. I would leave it alone. If you ever send it to Ruger for any reason at all they are going to convert it no matter what you tell them to do or not do. They used to send the old parts back with the gun, they do not do that anymore. You will never see your original parts again.
 
You will never see your original parts again
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This is not true. Ruger will return your parts. Read here.

http://ruger.com/pdf/safetyOfferAd.pdf

I wonder where all the removed OM parts are coming from. They are for sale quite often on the Ruger forum.
I just sold this set last week.

Cylinder007.jpg
 
I have a 3 screw in .357 that I bought new in about 1960. I have the newer transfer bar ones in .44 mag., .32 mag., .22 single six. I never had the 3 screw converted, even after many letters from Ruger wanting to do it. It has by far the best trigger!:D
 
I had a new model SBH that would hang the transfer bar under the firing pin unless you pointed it skyward to cock it.

The spring that pushes it back somehow became stuck in its down position.

Design wise this is something that was fixed that wasn't broke if you ask me.

Load one, skip one, load four. Then the hammer is resting on an empty chamber perfectly safe.

Keep it original or sell it to someone who appreciates it.
 
Converted Rugers are of less value to collectors. The parts that are removed and sent back to the owner are frequently lost. When a converted Ruger is put up for sale, the original parts are seldom offered with it. Do not have your Ruger converted; it is an ingenious solution to a nonexistant problem. If you do not feel that the original Ruger is safe, sell it to someone who wants it the way it is and buy a current model.
 
You asked for opinions and here is mine:

Do NOT convert it. You will make it less valuable as a collector piece and as a shooter.

Collectors place—and pay—a premium on firearms that are in original, as-issued condition.

From a shooting perspective converting the trigger to the transfer bar system WILL introduce additional points of possible failure and WILL degrade the quality of the trigger pull.

Years ago a buddy and I compared trigger pulls on identical Blackhawks—identical but for that his was a New Model (with the transfer bar) and mine was an unconverted Old Model. One of us would close our eyes, the other would hand over one of the revolvers, and we would dry fire it to see if we could tell the difference.

We both could easily tell the difference, every time, and we both agreed that the Old Model had the lighter, crisper, better trigger.

As previously posted, if carrying 6 beans in the wheel is important to you then do yourself, Old Model lovers, and the Old Model itself a favor and sell it for it's full, unconverted value. Then, take the money, buy one of the tons of New Models available, new or used, and send the leftover cash to those of us who rightfully recommended against the conversion so we can buy beer. :D
 
Both of my 3 screw Rugers are original and will remain that way. The conversion is neither an uprgrade nor an improvement, rather it was Ruger's attempt to deal with what they correctly perceived as an attempt by the antigunners to attack gun manufacturers on a so called "safety issue".
 
My SBH is as it was purchased in the late 60's or early70's and will remain that way! I've carried it quite often deer hunting as a 5-shooter!
 
The conversion is neither an uprgrade nor an improvement, rather it was Ruger's attempt to deal with what they correctly perceived as an attempt by the antigunners to attack gun manufacturers on a so called "safety issue".
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I suppose you could look at it that way, but Ruger got sued, and LOST! Conversion of ALL old models was part of the settlement agreement. Ruger HAS to convert any old model you send them. It doesn't matter why you send the gun to them, or even if you tell them not to convert it. They will convert it.

I have only had one three screw Blackhawk, and that was a long time ago, so I don't remember if the trigger pull on it was better than the new models. I have about half a dozen new models, and for me, their triggers are fine.
 
On the other hand, I've got a New Model SBH, and I only carry it with five rounds. I learned years ago the loading sequence of load one, skip one, load four for the Single Action revolver and I've never seen a reason to change. Yeah, I know the new models can be safely carried with six, but old habits die hard.
 
On the other hand, I've got a New Model SBH, and I only carry it with five rounds. I learned years ago the loading sequence of load one, skip one, load four for the Single Action revolver and I've never seen a reason to change. Yeah, I know the new models can be safely carried with six, but old habits die hard.
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I do the same thing with my NM Rugers. I have more Rugers and Colt SAA's that require to be carried with only five rounds so I just make it an all time habit. Heck it has even carried over to my dbl. action revolvers too, that is unless they are being carried for SD. One thing to note here is how many "want to buy" ads do you see for converted 3 screws. Me I have never seen one.
 
This question always surprises me. I love the OM's just the way they shipped. Let's re-phrase it this way. Suppose Colt came up with a "conversion" for the SAA. Would you get out your 1950-1960's Colt SAA's and send them off to get "converted?" People would be up in arms and marching with signs! A single action is _supposed_ to work the way the OM's worked. It's like taking a Porsche 911 with manual transmission into the shop and asking them if they can convert it to an automatic!

You send me the OM in unconverted form and I'll buy you a brand new one and have it shipped to your transfer dealer. If the OM is in good enough condition, I'll throw in an extra hundred dollars!

Gregg
 
I have two 3 screw Rugers. My SBH was converted right after they offered it. I got all the original parts back in a sealed bag. The trigger actually improved with the conversion, and it was good to start with. My custom Bowen BH will never go to Ruger, for obvious reasons.
 
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