So, the Flattop aligns the loading gate and chamber in a different manner than the standard Blackhawk?
I never realized that.
Hmm.
If you want this change- go for it. Glad you are getting what you want.
Personally, I have a Single-Six, .357Blackhawk, and .45lc/.45acp Blackhawk- plus SuperBlackhawk.
I've put steel grip frames on the .357Blackhawk and the single-six, as I like the balance better. I will do that to the .45lc/acp Blackhawk also, down the road.
I live in California, where carry is almost impossible. For self-defense, I've got bottom-feeders to choose from, or GP100.
For me, I wanted the standard .45lc/acp Blackhawk, so that I could experiment with 'ruger only' .45lc loads in it and not worry about a medium frame.
Interchangeability in size for my Ruger SA revolvers, and strength of frame, were more important to me than loading gate alignment.
And, I like fiddling with things, so getting a steel grip frame later on to swap out was worth it to me.
I am not saying that the OP shouldn't be doing this-but I just didn't see anywhere that they show the loading gate/chamber lining up on the cylinder lock/notch to allow smoother reloading.
If that is the main concern, and not the steel grip frame [or lack thereof], are you SURE you have the solution?
If it is the steel grip frame [as primary concern], then this is one of two ways to do it!
Good luck in your pursuit, and enjoy what you get!!!