What are the major differences in the Ruger New Model Blackhawk vs. the Ruger Flattop? Specifically the Lipseys Flattop in .45 LC/.45 ACP? It looks like the Flattop is lighter on the spec sheet. I just wondered about the flattop's ability to handle full power loads in .45 Colt. Is the Flattop frame smaller than the New Model Blackhawk. Thanks for any information.
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Ruger New Model Blackhawk vs. Flat top?
- Thread starter DavidB2
- Start date
Bob Wright
New member
It is my understanding that the New Model Flat Tops are built on the same mid-size frame as the old Three-Screw .357 Magnums, so slightly smaller frames.
And, no, not suitlable for "Ruger Only Loads."
Bob Wright
And, no, not suitlable for "Ruger Only Loads."
Bob Wright
Here is more information : Gunblast: .45 FT BH convertible
There have been five "Flattops" since they were re-introduced in 2005. All have "New Model" internals - meaning a transfer bar safety from the factory.
1) The first was the 50th Anniversary 357 Blackhawk Flattop of 2005 - a LOT were produced, over 16k by most estimates. They were blued, 4.68" barrel, same frame size and strength as a New Vaquero ("mid frame").
2) Second was the 50th Anniversary 44Magnum Blackhawk Flattop. This was built on the large frame, 6.5" barrel, blue, wasn't marked "Super".
3) There were some special runs of the same basic gun as the 44 above but in 41Magnum. Large-frame again.
4) The 50th 357 got recycled as a 44Spl, first as a distributor special run and then later as a regular catalog item. Mid-frame, various barrel lengths and finishes, some are even Bisley.
5) There have been special runs of the same gun as the 44Spl but chambered in 45LC/45ACP. Mid-frame again so same strength class as a New Vaquero in those calibers.
There may also be special runs of mid-frame flattops in 357 or 357/9mm convertibles.
1) The first was the 50th Anniversary 357 Blackhawk Flattop of 2005 - a LOT were produced, over 16k by most estimates. They were blued, 4.68" barrel, same frame size and strength as a New Vaquero ("mid frame").
2) Second was the 50th Anniversary 44Magnum Blackhawk Flattop. This was built on the large frame, 6.5" barrel, blue, wasn't marked "Super".
3) There were some special runs of the same basic gun as the 44 above but in 41Magnum. Large-frame again.
4) The 50th 357 got recycled as a 44Spl, first as a distributor special run and then later as a regular catalog item. Mid-frame, various barrel lengths and finishes, some are even Bisley.
5) There have been special runs of the same gun as the 44Spl but chambered in 45LC/45ACP. Mid-frame again so same strength class as a New Vaquero in those calibers.
There may also be special runs of mid-frame flattops in 357 or 357/9mm convertibles.
All modern revolvers factory chambered for .45 Colt are safe for "full power" .45 Colt loads.
What the flattops are not good for is the extra heavy "Ruger only" loads (which were developed when the "Ruger" .45 colt was the new model Blackhawk, only. The original Vaquero can handles these loads as well (same frame), but the New Vaqueros cannot (smaller frame size).
"Full power" .45 Colt loads are the equivalent of the original black powder load. "Ruger only" loads are heavier, and today, because Ruger has produced .45 Colts that are smaller guns than the New Model Blackhawks, these loads are not suitable for ALL Rugers in .45 Colt, only certain specific models.
What the flattops are not good for is the extra heavy "Ruger only" loads (which were developed when the "Ruger" .45 colt was the new model Blackhawk, only. The original Vaquero can handles these loads as well (same frame), but the New Vaqueros cannot (smaller frame size).
"Full power" .45 Colt loads are the equivalent of the original black powder load. "Ruger only" loads are heavier, and today, because Ruger has produced .45 Colts that are smaller guns than the New Model Blackhawks, these loads are not suitable for ALL Rugers in .45 Colt, only certain specific models.
More reading: Brian Pearce .45 Colt PDF . The New Vaquero referenced in article applies the the .45 Colt medium frame Flattop. Basically you are good to go with Tier 2 loads (20,000psi) with the Flattop or just about any modern .45 Colt revolver. This has since been 'upped' to 23,000psi due to the use of the .45ACP in the revolver. As already been said, Tier 3 (30,000psi), or Ruger Only Loads, cannot be used in the .45 Colt New Vaquero or flattop. Tier 1 is standard SAAMI (14,000psi) loads.
FWIW, I like 13.0g HS-6 under 255g SWC for walking in the woods load (tier 2), but 7.0g of Green Dot under 250g RNFP for my target/plinking load (tier 1) . These are safe in all my .45 Colt revolvers (medium and large frame) that I own.
FWIW, I like 13.0g HS-6 under 255g SWC for walking in the woods load (tier 2), but 7.0g of Green Dot under 250g RNFP for my target/plinking load (tier 1) . These are safe in all my .45 Colt revolvers (medium and large frame) that I own.
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